How to Fix a Plumbing Leak at a Joint

A plumbing leak at a joint can be a big problem, but luckily there are simple and effective ways to repair it yourself. Before you call a plumber, patch the leak with repair tape. Wrap the tape around the pipe to create a water-tight seal. However, it only works for a day or two. To prevent it from recurring, replace the tape as needed. If you are unable to wait that long, you can use repair sleeves. These work just as well as a pipe clamp but they are ideal for joint piping. You should not leave them on too long, though. If the leak is confined to a small pipe, use waterproof tape. It is an adhesive material that self-amalgamates when applied to the leaky pipe. It also forms a solid rubber band over the leaky area. The best kinds of silicone tapes can stretch up to 300 percent, creating a watertight seal and a high-pressure repair. It is important to note, however, that these tapes need to be stretched to work, so you may have trouble applying them to a joint. To begin repairing a plumbing leak at a joint, you must cut the pipe at least an inch from the joint. Then, unscrew the fittings using pliers or adjustable wrenches. Remove the old pipe joint compound from the joint by cleaning it with a wire brush and a bottlebrush. Then, use a pipe joint compound to seal the pipe. If the leak continues to develop, you may need to apply additional sealant to prevent it from coming back. If access to the pipe is difficult, you can apply epoxy putty. Epoxy putty has two soft components, resin and hardener, which cure into a rock-hard material. Make sure to clean and dry the pipe before applying the putty. Allow the epoxy putty to cure completely before turning on the water flow. This will make it impossible to see the leak again, but it is worth trying. Drain the whole house if the leak is small. You can drain the entire home or just the leaky joint before you start working. Working on a joint while the pipe is wet can be dangerous, so you should work on a pipe joint that is dry to avoid getting injured. Next, gather your plumbing tools. If your leak is substantial, call a plumber in Boca Raton. You’ll need a drain pipe to get the water out. If you’re not able to find a pipe wrap that will fix the leak, you may need to replace the entire pipe. To save money, you can apply epoxy to the leaky joint. Epoxy is an effective, affordable option. However, it is still better to contact a plumber if you are unsure about the best solution for your specific situation. If you’re unable to find a plumber, pipe wrap can be a good alternative. Click here to learn more about plumber derby ks.