Almost every homeowner has to deal with a leaking pipe at some point. For some people, it seems to be a recurring problem. It’s also one of the most common reasons people call a plumber for help. If you’ve discovered a leaky pipe in your home, you need professional pipe leak repair in Jupiter as soon as possible.
Having said that, a plumber in Jupiter, FL can’t always come to the rescue right away. Leaving a leak to its own devices for even a few hours can cause damage to your home. At the same time, the longer the leak goes unrepaired, the worse it’s likely to get and the more damage it’s bound to cause. As such, performing temporary repairs on a leaking pipe can help minimize the aftermath.
Steps to Take to Temporarily Stop a Pipe Leak
Once you find a leaking pipe, it’s best to take action as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to have extensive knowledge about how to stop a pipe leak to handle the situation until help arrives. Just follow the steps below.
Shut Off the Water
The first step in the process should be shutting off the supply of water to the pipe that’s causing problems. Some pipes in your home may have water shut-off valves nearby. They should be turned clockwise as much as possible. That’ll shut off the water to the nearby leaky pipe. If the shut-off valve doesn’t work or you can’t find one, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house.
Main shut-off valves may be located in the basement, garage, or another area just inside the house. They’re usually installed on the side of the house facing the street, but that’s not always the case. You may also be able to shut off the water at the meter though that often requires a special tool most people don’t have on hand.
It’s a good idea to locate your water shut-off valves before a pipe leak arises. That way, you won’t have to scramble around to find them in the heat of the moment. If all else fails, plumbing technicians like us may be able to help you find the right valve over the phone.
Clear the Water Line
Once the water supply is turned off, you’ll need to clear out the water left in the pipe. Otherwise, it’ll keep trickling, making temporary plumbing leak repairs all but impossible. Clearing a pipe can be as simple as turning on the faucet until the water stops running. You’ll need to check to make sure the water supply is shut off anyway, so this step basically serves both purposes. Alternatively, you can turn on an outside faucet to draw water out of the pipes.
Clean Up
From there, consider cleaning up any water in the area of the offending pipe before performing temporary plumbing leak repairs. Clear away any items that could get in the way and hamper repairs as well. That’ll make matters easier for you and give the plumber room to carry out pipe leak repairs in Jupiter when he or she arrives. Be sure to dry off the pipe itself, too. Water pipe leak tape and other sealants won’t adhere to wet pipes.
Get the Pipe Ready for Repairs
Next up in the plumbing leak repair process is getting the pipe ready. Start by using an adjustable wrench to tighten the joints around the leak. Then, examine the leaking pipe for signs of rust, buildup, or other damage. If necessary, use a metal file or sandpaper to smooth out rough spots or remove corrosion before proceeding.
Create a Pipe Patch
Now, it’s time to seal the leaking pipe. This isn’t quite as difficult as many people may think. All you really need is epoxy putty. Pull off a piece of putty that’s large enough to seal the crack, hole, or gap in the pipe. Knead the putty in your hands until it’s soft and flexible. Then, apply it to the area of the pipe leak. Allow it to cure per the package instructions.
If you don’t have epoxy putty on hand, certain other products are also perfect for sealing leaking pipes. Pipe leak tape and water pipe leak sealant are among the most effective. They’re designed to reinforce pipes and temporarily keep leaks at bay. You can even use duct tape to seal leaking pipes if those other items aren’t available.
Expert Pipe Leak Repair in Jupiter
Home Choice Plumbing is here to handle all your plumbing needs, including pipe leak repairs in Jupiter. As highly trained and experienced plumbers, we know what it takes to keep your pipes working properly. The steps listed above simply detail how to fix leaks temporarily until we arrive.
When we get there, we’ll permanently repair your pipe leak, so it won’t cause any more trouble. Call us or fill out the form on our website to request pipe leak repair services. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have as well.