There are many different reasons why a pipe might begin leaking and this can be very annoying!
Leaks in pipes are very common and they are, more often than not, caused by general wear and tear. If you have a leaking pipe, don’t fret, and if you’re looking to finish off a renovation or fix, learn how to cap PVC pipe.
There are many different methods to fix these pipes, and they are fairly easy to fix yourself. Read on for more information about the best sealants to use for leaking pipes!
How To Repair The Pipe?
There are two methods that are most commonly used when you are sealing and repairing a leaking pipe.
These are through either using epoxy, or a pipe wrap kit. Both of these solutions are very reliable pipe thread sealants, if done correctly.
They can be permanent solutions and they can be used to repair both copper pipes and PVC. Moreover, you might want to explore how to connect PVC pipe without glue.
Leaking Vs Sweating Pipes
There is a difference between a pipe leaking and a pipe sweating. Sometimes a sweating pipe looks like a water leak, but they are not the same thing at all!
When the pipe is sweating, there is condensation on the pipe. The water dripping off the pipe may look like a leak, but it may not be. While addressing sweating pipes, it’s equally important to know how to repair PVC pipe in the ground for actual leaks.
If you look closely, you should be able to tell whether it is a leak or a sweating pipe.
When it is a leak that you are dealing with, even when your water mains are off, the water meter will still be running.
Sweating pipes still cause problems – but not the same ones as leaking pipes. When you have a sweating pipe, mold can grow because of the build up of moisture.
Sweating pipes are easy to solve, you can simply insulate your pipes using foam to prevent the sweating.
Signs Of A Pipe Leak
Some leaks are very obvious and easy to identify. Often, you will be able to see the leak.
However, sometimes, the pipes that are the problem are underground and not visible. If this is the case, there are some signs that indicate that you have a problem:
- Increase in your water bill. If your water bill has increased in price, you will find that the cause can often be a leaking pipe. This is because when you have a leaking pipe, the water will continue to run even when your taps are closed off. In this case, your water bill may rise despite you not using any more water than normal.
- You can see wet patches. Wet patches on the wall are a very clear indication of a leaking pipe. It is also a good way to figure out where the leak is coming from. The wallpaper or paint where the leak is happening may start to crack.
- Growth of mold is a good indicator that there is a leak. This is because it indicates that there is a lot of moisture in one area in comparison to other areas.
- If you have a leak, your meter will continue to run after you have turned off your water supply.
- If the temperature has dramatically increased or decreased recently, then you are much more likely to develop a leak in your water supply.
- If your water pressure is low, then you may have a leaking pipe.
What Is The Best Sealant For Leaking Pipes?
If you have noticed a leak and identified its whereabouts, you may find that pipe repair yourself is not too hard with a plumbing sealant.
Usually, finding the root of the leak is the hardest part as they are often in the wall or underground.
Here are some options to help you find the best pipe thread sealant.
1. Epoxy
Epoxy is very commonly used in plumbing to seal any holes that cause the pipes to leak. It has many positives.
It sets quickly and it is strong and durable. It is usable on many materials, such as metal pipes or PVC pipes which are suffering from leaks.
Epoxy also works to prevent leaks, which is why it’s such a popular pipe sealant.
In order to fix a leak using epoxy, simply dry the area where you will apply the epoxy, turning off the water at the mains if needed.
Mix the epoxy putty and apply it to the problematic area that needs repairing.
You should then leave this solution to dry for around an hour before you reinstall the pipe and turn the water back on.
Remember, if you’re not confident with fixing the pipe, or the leak is in a fiddly place, call in a plumber to help!
They are experts in water leaks and will have professional plumbing sealants.
2. Compound Stick
This is a solution to a very small leak which can be easily repaired. You grab a compound stick, rub it on the leak and voila! It is sealed.
In order to repair using a compound stick, you don’t even have to turn off the water supply. This is good for complex plumbing systems.
3. Pipe Clamp
You can also repair a leak in your pipe using a pipe clamp. These are a metal sleeve which contains a rubber pad.
The rubber pad is placed over the area of the pipe that is leaking and then you attach the metal sleeve. This is a good alternative to what most pipe thread sealants offer.
4. Wrap
A wrap is a repair kit that works well on copper pipes. Make sure the area is clean and dry before you sand down the area and remove any rust.
Wrap the pipe with the repair kit until there is no more wrap left. This is quite a solid and permanent repair compared to the other options.
Although, if done correctly, all of these repairs will be successful and long lasting.
Another good option to seal pipes is plumbers tape (professionally known as PTFE tape), which can be a surprisingly long term solution as a sealant tape.
Final Thoughts
So, depending on how serious the leak is and whether it is easy to access, fixing the pipe can sometimes be done at home.
While many of the solutions explored are permanent fixes if they are done correctly, don’t be afraid to call in the help of a plumber if it is not going as well as you would hope!
You don’t want to create more problems that you solve.