Quick Tips On How To Repair A Water Pipe

There’s wisdom in repairing water pipes when you have the tools and expertise to do so. Plumbers typically charge a flat rate for a service call as well as a per-hour fee, so you’re sure to save a few bucks by doing the job yourself. For water pipe repair Chantilly homeowners and property owners often do minor repair work themselves.

Of course, you need to make sure that you know the basics and don’t damage the pipes in any way. The good news is that a simple water pipe repair is not a complex chore. There are three strategies for getting the task done, and none calls for high-level plumbing knowledge. The common DIY approaches are:

• Tape (with complete repair kit)
• Epoxy
• Clamp/Patch

Here’s what you need to know about each of the methods:

Tape

Tape kits are available in most retail and specialty stores at reasonable prices. The advantage of using a tape kit is that you don’t have to hunt around for any extra items. Everything for a common water pipe repair job is included.

The first task is turning off the water supply, standard practice for virtually every DIY plumbing repair. Next, follow the information on the kit for activating the adhesive portion of the tape. Then, carefully wrap the fiberglass tape around the portion of the pipe where the leak is located.

One of the benefits of kits is that the tape is so flexible you can even apply it to bulky fittings, and it will still adhere to the surface of the pipe. Plus, some kits are priced a bit higher and include special tape that is self-adhering.

Epoxy

When using epoxy to repair a leaky water pipe, it’s essential to shut off the water source first and then drain the problem pipe of residual water. This is necessary so that the epoxy can do its job. It won’t adhere if the area is wet or dirty.

Always follow directions on the product container. Epoxy is a pretty simple substance to work with. Measure enough for the pipe leak or break. Then, knead the putty for a few minutes until it feels ready to apply. Please leave it in place according to the written directions. After that, test the seal by turning the water on and observing the result.

Clamp/Patch

A clamp-and-patch kit can work well for larger jobs where the pipe is split open or completely ruptured. Turn off the water source. Use a metal file to smooth the pipe if there are rough spots. Carefully place the patch and clamps in place. Turn the water back on to test the integrity of the seal.

Getting the Help You Need

If you can’t do the job yourself, either because it’s too complex or you don’t have the time, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. Leaky water pipes can do a lot of damage to your home, so it’s imperative to take care of the situation as quickly as possible.