Learn How To Handle A Leaking Pipe Before A Plumber Arrives

Noticing a leaky pipe in the middle of the night is something to be worried about. The first thing to do is to call a trusted Sacramento plumber to come and fix the issue. However, by the time the plumber arrives, water is flowing everywhere. You have to understand how to limit the potential damage to save yourself from a high water bill. Read on to learn how to fix a leaking pipe before the plumber arrives.

Turn off the water

Before you call a plumber, ensure to stop the water from flowing. Locate the water supply valve for that pipe and turn it off. Alternatively, turn off the main shut-off valve for your home to stop water from flowing. Afterward, turn on the faucet nearest to the leaking pipe to drain out any remaining water. This allows ensuring that the plumber finds a mess.

Clean and dry up the area

After turning off the water supply, the leak stops for a moment. Use this period to clean and dry the immediate area. Dry and wipe the leaky pipe, mop the floor, clean off nearby cabinets, and remove any items nearby to protect them from damage. This makes the problem are well prepared before the plumber arrives.

Placing a patch limits water leakage. Therefore, cleaning and drying the leaking pipe allows easy attachment of the patch. Cleaning and clearing the work area before the plumber in Sacramento arrives saves a significant amount of time. The plumber obviously works in a clean environment. Arriving to face a messy place will require you to first clean up before the plumber fixes the leak.

Tighten all Joints

Can you access the location of the leak? Tighten all nearby joints using an adjustable wrench. Tightening forms a stronger seal to the fittings to allow placing a temporary patch before the plumber arrives. Clamp rubber sheeting to the problem area for a temporary seal on the crack. This stops the leak before the professional plumber arrives for a permanent solution. You can get the best plumbing service by hiring the best contractor.

Sand the pipe

Placing a patch over a leaking pipe requires a smooth surface. This allows the patch to stick smoothly. Gently remove any rust or rough spots on the area near the leak using sandpaper or metal file. This also removes any rough edges and limescale. Sanding the leaky pipe enhances the effectiveness of the patch to turn the water back on before the plumber allows applying a permanent solution.

Temporary repair options for a leaking pipe

There are various ways to fix a leaking pipe before the plumber arrives. You have to choose the most convenient solution for matching your problem area. Here are the handy options you can apply to fix a leaky pipe before your plumber arrives.

Use epoxy resin

Pick some epoxy from the local hardware store to fill tiny cracks or holes. Break a piece to activate through molding into a shape matching the problem area before placing it down. This sets in place after hardening to prevent water from leaking. Smooth out all edges of the epoxy and let it settle according to instructions.

Tighten the joints

A leak at a threaded joint requires tightening using a wrench. This doesn’t stop the leak but slows it down. Older plumbing pipes require welding. Don’t tamper with pipes without threads or signs of welding. Wait until the plumber arrives to apply long-term solutions to limit the leakage.

Plug a pencil

You can fix a small hole on a pipe by plugging a pencil into the hole. Make the tip sharp before sticking it into the hole in the pipe. Afterward, break the pencil tip to leave it lodged in the hole. Wrap the pencil tip and pipe around several times using duct tape for reinforcement. This seals off the hole before the plumber arrives to apply permanent solutions.

Use a garden hose and clamps

These come in handy when fixing a larger crack or hole in a pipe. Just any piece of the garden hose can do without buying a new one. Cut a piece of the hose lengthwise about 2 inches longer than the hole for wrapping around the pipe. The hose clamps are for holding the hose in place at each end and in the middle.

Adhesive sealing tape

There is a range of adhesive tape for use to seal a leaking pipe. Get one with a width of about 1.5 to 2 cm for covering the leaking area as much as possible. The ideal tape is soft and pliable to adapt to the pipe joint shape. There is no need to wait for too long for the tape to dry before turning on the water supply. You can turn the water back on immediately after placing adhesive tape until the plumber arrives.

Why leaky pipes need urgent attention

Health concerns

Severe leaks in walls encourage mold growth making the surrounding area dark. Mold thrives in wet and dark conditions. Luckily, this is easy to deal with if you notice before it gets out of hand. Mold spores indoors encourage various problems including triggering allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Ensure to take appropriate precautions to fix the leak an avoid mold growth.

Structural damage

Leaky pipes cause water damage regardless of severity. The structural damage from leaking pipes depends on the size of the leak and duration. There is possibility of your home crumbling resulting from this exposure. Additionally, smaller leaks cause property damage and might make drywalls to crumble from repeated exposure to tis moisture.

Hiking the water bill

Fixing water leaks early limits a skyrocketing water bill at the end of the month. Calling a professional plumber immediately encourage significant cost savings. The savings increase with the extent of the leak fixed. Fixing leaking pipes saves about 10 percent of homeowners’ water bill.

When you notice that your water bill is growing steadily, never hesitate to call a professional plumber for an inspection. This allows diagnosing the issue and applying appropriate remedies. Avoid DIY methods at all cost to avoid escalating the problem.

Bottom line

It pays to know a professional plumber with years of industry experience for affordable and effective repairs. Before the plumber arrives, you have to stop water flow by using epoxy resign or adhesive tape. Clean and dry the area for the plumber to arrive and begin fixing the issue right away. Avoiding leaks in your household protects you from a messy scenario that comes with a hike in the water bill.