Many homeowners seem to panic when they hear that they have water problems in their homes, especially water leaks. However, by simply following a few easy-to-manage tips, you can help keep a leak under control in your home and save yourself lots of money. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that simply repairing a faucet that is dripping two ounces of water per minute, can save you 11,000 gallons of water in just one year. Additionally, If you are able to catch small emergency water leaks quickly and identify the source, it is going to prevent a lot of wasted water and save you from the dreaded water damage to your home. Homeowners need not fear the dreaded water leak with these guidelines. They can, instead, take back control of the maintenance of their home with ease.
Find the Source of the Leak
First, you must find the source of the leak. Sometimes the source of the leak is going to be obvious, but in some cases, you are going to have to trace the water flow in order to find out where the exact problem is located at. This may mean cutting into drywall, but that is much cheaper to repair than the water damage that can occur if left to accumulate.
Drain and Dry
You will need to drain out any excess water where the leak of coming from. Remove any bolts or connectors and dry them as well as the pipe itself. Of course, remember to turn your water off before attempting any repairs! Once the pipes and other pieces are dry, empty the pipes completely out. Often, there is a buildup in the pipe that is causing the water to back up and leak out.
Other Quick Fixes
Sometimes clearing out some buildup or blockage is not enough to repair the leak. You may need to break out a few supplies to take your repair to the next level. These repairs are often temporary fixes, and you will still need a plumber to complete the repair or replace the defective plumbing. By utilizing these tips you can quickly fix emergency water leaks until the matter can be fixed in a more permanent manner:
Using Glue
Go to your local hardware store and get a tube of epoxy glue. Once you have located the leak, and if it is located at a joint between two pipes, then you can put the flexible epoxy glue into the hole where the leak is coming. You will first need to work the epoxy in your hands, then press it into the hole and allow it to set. This temporary fix should buy you some time while you arrange for a plumber to examine the issue.
Pencil Tip
Like most temporary repairs, this quick fix also centers on the idea of plugging and securing the emergency water leaks. Depending on the size of the hole where the water leak is coming from, you can stick a sharpened pencil into the hole. After inserting the pencil, break off the tip so the tip of the pencil plugs the hole. Then wrap the plugged hole with duct tape or electrical tape. Larger holes may require a larger item to plug and seal the leak. It’s important to remember that this is only going to be a temporary fix for your water pipe leak.
Screw and Washer
This is a great trick for those larger holes, where a pencil won’t be as effective. Take a washer and place it around the hole. Secure it by driving a screw through the hole. The great thing about this fix is that washers come in various sizes, so you can find the right dimensions for a perfect fit.
Piece of Rubber
This trick is a great way to recycle some rubber. Find a piece of rubber, such as an old inner tube, and can place it around the pipe over the hole. You may need to cut the rubber to size. Then, use a C-clamp to secure the rubber tightly in place. You could also place hose clamps around the rubber covering to keep water from leaking. If you decide to utilize this method, you will need to make sure that your clamps are as tight as possible.
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