When it comes to a leaky pipe, there’s no time to waste! While you wait for your plumber, you need to stop that leaking water to avoid water damage and high utility bills. But what is the best temporary fix for a broken or leaky pipe? There are several options for desperate homeowners in need of a quick fix while they wait for a professional to arrive.
First Things First: Call the Plumber!
These patching tips are by no means a substitute for a professional repair. If you need a pipe repair, call Al Bourgeois Plumbing to take care of your plumbing needs. Leaving a damaged, leaky pipe unattended could result in high utility bills and serious water damage!
Signs of a Leaky Pipe
The first step is to identify the leak. Sometimes, you will see the warning signs before detecting the physical, dripping culprit. Finding a leaky pipe can be an adventure. So put on your detective’s hat, polish your magnifying glass, and begin your search for any combination of the following leak symptoms!
A Mysterious, Musty Smell. When it comes to a leak, you must rely on senses other than your eyes, especially because mold can hide under the floor or inside the walls.
Mold and Mildew. You have investigated the case of the mysterious, musty smell and discovered the culprit to be none other than mildew and mold! If this appears outside your bathtub or sink, you may have a leak.
Stained or Water Damaged Floors and Ceilings. Once you notice water stains, it’s time to take action! An unattended leak can cause extensive (and expensive) physical damage to your home. If you notice watermarks on your floors, ceilings, or walls, call the plumber!
High Water Bills. Fluctuating water bills are natural, especially as the seasons change. However, an inexplicable spike in your bill may be the result of a water leak.
Running Meter. If you think you have a leak, confirm your suspicions by shutting off all your water. If your water meter is still running, you likely have a leaky pipe.
How to Temporarily Patch that Leaky Pipe
Congratulations, detective! Your sleuthing skills have led you to the perpetrator. Just like a scene out of Clue, it was the Sink with the Pipe in the Bathroom! While you wait for the plumber, you’ll probably want to mitigate the damage by temporarily patching the leak. Not all leaks are created equal, but for a small crack or “pinhole” in the pipe, you can count on a patch to provisionally stop the flow of water. Take a deep, calming breath, and follow these simple steps to patch the pipe.
Turn Off Your Water. Your first priority is to stop the flow of water to the pipe. Once you complete this step, the rest will come easy. If you aren’t sure which valve leads to that specific pipe, don’t panic. You can always turn off your main shutoff valve until your plumber repairs the pipe.
Clean the Scene. Take a moment to prepare your pipe for repair. Clean off and dry extraneous water. If you have the right equipment, you can even sand down the pipe to clear away rust or dangerous edges.
Patch the Pipe! There are a couple of quick ways to temporarily patch a pipe. These are not permanent fixes but can help keep things together while you wait for professional help.
For very small leaks, such as “pinholes,” you can simply wrap electrical tape or duct tape several times around the damaged area. Use hose clamps at either end to further secure the tape.
Water Pipe Epoxy. For larger leaks, it is advisable to apply a water pipe epoxy. This putty is durable and easy to mold. Remove a piece of putty sized to the damage and work it around the hole. You can use a flat surface, or a putty knife, for smooth coverage. Once the putty completely hardens, you can turn the water back on and check for any missed leaky areas.
Emergency Service Plumbing
Sometimes, the damage is too dire to use tape or epoxy. When there’s no way to stop the water, and your bathroom is flooding, it’s time for an emergency plumbing service! For after-hours emergency service, call 504-835-9007.
Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing to Repair Your Leaky Pipe
When it’s time to call a plumber, call Al Bourgeois Plumbing! Our plumbers will diagnose the issue and repair your leak, so you can continue to use your appliances with peace of mind. When you choose Al Bourgeois Plumbing, you are guaranteed prompt, diligent service and a repair job that can’t be beat. Schedule your appointment today!