Has this ever happened to you? You’re taking a shower, and suddenly you feel a cold rush of water on your feet. You quickly realize that your shower is leaking! Unfortunately, it can be a big problem if you don’t know how to stop leaking pipes.
If you’re dealing with a leaking pipe or water leak in your house. Read on to learn how to stop the leak before it becomes a bigger problem. To complete this task, please follow these steps:
Shut off the Water Supply to the Leak
The first step to take when you have a pipe leak is to shut off the water, so the leak doesn’t worsen. Depending on where your leak is located, you may be able to turn off the water at the valve. If you’re not sure how to do this, or if you can’t reach the valve, you’ll need to turn off the main water valve to your home. Once the water is shut off, you can assess the damage and decide whether you need to call a professional plumber.
Locate the Section of Pipe That’s Leaking
If the leaky pipe comes from a damaged section, you will need to identify and repair the hole. Unfortunately, this can often be difficult if it’s a tiny pinhole leak. To find where the leaking pipe originates, turn off the water valve and remove that section of piping.
For this process, you can apply epoxy putty resin tape on your pipes’ exterior to prevent leaks, temporarily halting the problem until you replace the broken portion of the pipe with new piping.
Cut Out the Damaged Section of Pipe and Replace It
Once you’ve located the damaged pipe section, cut it out with a hacksaw and replace it with a new pipe area. Make sure to use a pipe that’s the same diameter as the one you’re replacing. Close off the new section of the pipe with a cap and test for water leaking after you’ve replaced the damaged portion of the pipe.
Turn on the Water Supply and Check for Leaks
Follow these steps to ensure that your water pipe repair is completed:
Turn on the water supply and check for proper water pressure. If it’s working well, that means you did a good job fixing your broken pipe. However, if you notice a dip in water pressure or any leaks during this process, put some tape around the broken pipe until it can be fixed. This is just a temporary fix, so make sure to get a professional to repair your pipe as soon as possible.
Call a Professional Plumber If You Can’t Fix the Pipe
If you’re not comfortable repairing a leaking pipe on your own and the leak is in an inaccessible location, it’s best to call a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to quickly repair your plumbing system by relining pipes or fixing a broken water main.
Not only can a professional plumber fix your pipe leak, but they will also be able to tell you if you need an entirely new plumbing system. It’s best to call a professional instead of attempting to fix the problem yourself.
Prevent Future Pipe Leaks
Leaks are more likely to occur after pipes have been installed. After a pipe has leaked, the chance of it leaking again grows. Have a professional plumber examine your plumbing system yearly to avoid problems growing into serious issues.
You should also make sure to properly winterize your home’s plumbing system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter.
If you take these steps, you can help prevent pipe leaks in your home.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Plumber
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to hire a professional plumber.
First and foremost, plumbing is a complex and delicate system, and even a small mistake can cause big problems.
Second, plumbing is hidden behind walls, and under floors, so it can be difficult to spot problems until they’re already causing damage.
Third, because plumbing is hidden, repairs can be difficult and time-consuming, so it’s important to hire someone with the knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
Hiring a professional plumber is the best way to ensure that your plumbing system is repaired correctly and on time. Additionally, a professional plumber can repair any damage caused by a pipe leak, such as water damage to your floors or walls.
Conclusion
Pipe leaks can cause great damage to your home, which is why it’s important to know how to stop a leaking pipe. Call a professional plumber if you’re not comfortable repairing a pipe on your own. They will be able to quickly and efficiently repair your pipes and prevent future leaks.
