Tips on Handling Emergency Fixes For Leaky Pipes

by | Oct 21, 2013 | Heating and Air Conditioning

Many times when a homeowner discovers they have a leaky pipe it can be after regular business hours or on the weekend. This can be a problem as most plumbers are closed during these hours. While there are some emergency plumbing companies that can provide assistance, in some cases their prices may be too expensive for many homeowners. In such cases, it can be a good idea for a homeowner to know of some steps to take to alleviate the problem until they can reach Plumbers in Wichita, KS during their normal working hours.

When a pipe is leaking, one of the first things that should be done is to shut off the water to the area. Many times, there will be a shut off valve for the area of the leak located inside the home. This is often under a faucet or behind the toilet. If these shut off valves do not stop the water, then it will be necessary to shut the water off at the main shut off valve to the home. This is generally found near the water meter or by the edge of the property near a road.

Once the water is off, the homeowner will need to find exactly where the water is leaking. This can be a bit difficult as water tends to move and so the area where one sees the leak may not actually be where the damage to the pipe is located. After the leak is found, the homeowner will need to assess how extensive the damage is. If the cause of the leak is at pipe joint it may be possible to simply retighten the couplings and then apply some waterproof epoxy to the area. However, if the cause of the leak is a crack in the pipe, then it will need to be repaired. While most homeowners may not feel comfortable actually repairing a pipe on a permanent basis, they can patch it until Plumbers in Wichita, KS can come to the home and provide permanent repairs.

One of the best ways to provide a temporary repair is by purchasing a plumbing repair kit. Kits that contain a rubber pad and metal plates can be a good choice. The rubber pad is placed over the crack and around the pipe. The metal plates are designed to hold it in place. This will stop the water until a professional can arrive to fix it.

 

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