How to Fix a Leak

Leaks happen in every home, regardless of age or location, at any time of year – and most often when you least expect them. If you hear a hissing noise coming from your toilet or water heater, notice visible mold/mildew or see a higher than normal water bill, you may have a leak. Once you notice a problem, you’ll want to repair things as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line. Not all leaks are DIY, but here are a few tips and tricks from Cartwright’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling that will hopefully fix your leak:

Temporary Fix - Stopping a Leak

Stopping a leak should be the priority once the leak is discovered. Stopping a leak can help prevent costly damages and will make replacing the damaged pipe much easier in the future.

Steps to Stop a Leak:

Step 1: Shut off water valve to prevent water flow to the leak.

Step 2: Turn on any faucets connected to the link or use an air compressor to remove water remaining in the leaking pipe.

Step 3: Dry the pipe with a towel or cloth and allow it to air dry before addressing the area.

Step 4: Seal the leak with one of these options:

• Follow and old plumber’s trick by sticking the tip of a sharp pencil in the hole and breaking off the lead tip so that it plugs the hole. Next, cover the leak with epoxy using a putty knife.
• Simply apply epoxy to the leak area.

Step 5: Cover the leak area with rubber or gardening hose cut roughly 2-3 inches longer than the leak. Apply the rubber or hose around the leak and hold tightly in place with metal hose clamps for at least one hour.

Step 6: Make sure the leaking area and rubber/hose is completely dry and then apply waterproof tape in several layers around the leak area.

Step 7: Turn water back on and check to make sure there are no further leaks.

Permanent Fix - Fixing the Leak

While the above provides a great temporary solution for small leaks, it does not guarantee a permanent fix. Give Cartwright’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call to help fix your leaks. If you feel confident enough to go the DIY route, below are the appropriate steps to do so.

You will first need to run to a local plumbing or hardware store to purchase supplies needed to complete this project. These include replacement piping (length must be determined first), emery cloth, silver solder, solder flux, a fitting brush, and a torch.

Steps to Fix a Leak:

Step 1: Turn on any faucets connected to the leak or use an air compressor to remove any water remaining within the pipe.

Step 2: Remove the damaged section of pipe with either a hacksaw or pipe cutter.

Step 3: Polish the inside and outside of both current and replacement pipes using the emery cloth and fitting brush.

Step 4: Apply soldering flux lightly to each side of piping you are going to solder.

Step 5: Solder new pipe into place and allow it to cool.

Step 6: Turn water back on and make sure no further leak is present.

Give us a call if you notice any problems

If you aren't sure whether you have a leak or not - or you know you have one but you aren't sure how to fix it – call 505-216-2507 or schedule service online  with the experts at Cartwright’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.