Leaking pipes can cause you huge amounts of money by increasing your monthly water bill. Aside from its financial burden, it can also be a waste of natural resources. When you have leaking pipes at home, they can cause slippery bathroom floors. Since they are threats to your budget, to the environment and to your safety, you have to deal with them the soonest possible time. To save money from paying professional service, try to fix the problem before calling for plumbers.

Leaking pipes are due to damage in the material, loss of adhesives especially in the joints and increased water pressure. To avoid wasting more resources, find the source of the leak and shut off the main valve at once. Follow the plumbers’ guidelines to fix the problem. Dry the area and measure the circumference of the pipeline. Purchase a rubber-lined sleeve clamp or a hose clamp to seal it off. However, if these are not available in the hardware store or if you need an emergency solution, duct tapes or electrical tapes can temporarily help you deal with it. Wrap the hole with three to four layers of the tape overlapping each level. You can also use an epoxy adhesive to stop the leak. Since the adhesive works only on clean and dry surfaces, make sure to thoroughly clean the area from dirt and water. Apply the epoxy generously on both sides of the leaking pipe. Wait for few minutes for it to completely dry before opening the main water switch.

After trying these solutions and you still have high water bills, then the damaged pipe might not be visible. Ask for the help of plumbers to find the damage. With more severe breaks, you might need to replace your system.

Steps to Fix a Leak

Fixing a leak is quite simple; you just have to know the steps that are involved. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may not be able to fix it in a single day, or even by yourself. Attempt to fix the leak by following the steps below. If these steps do not work, be sure to be proactive and seek the help of a professional.

The first thing you want to do when you are attempting to fix a leaky pipe is to find the location of the leak. This can be quite difficult, especially if you have to go to the house to do so. Use proper precautions including wearing proper gear.

Once you have located the leak, you can turn off the water supply. You do not want to turn off the water supply until you have located the source of the leak, as it will make it more difficult to locate the pipe that needs to be fixed.

If the leak is a small leak, consider taping it off with a silicone based tape. These tapes are designed to weather all elements and will keep the pipe from leaking providing it is sealed off adequately. This also works as a temporary solution if you need to call a professional or pick up more supplies.

If you are working with PVC pipe, you may need to replace the pipe or part of it. This is relatively easy as well, simply cut out the affected piece of pipe and put another one in its place secured by couplings.