With the help of modern technologies, and with a bit of will, you can learn any house job. Just think of how much money you could save if you repaired all the breakdowns all by yourself. Some of them, like leaking pipes, are really easy to handle. The reasons why this breakdown happens, find out on the following source:
https://blog.homestars.com/leaky-pipe-causes/.
Secure the Working Area
You need to remember this for good – before any housework which includes electricity or water, turn off the supply to the system you’re working on. Even when you are in a hurry, and you think the repair will take only a few minutes, don’t forget to secure a workplace first. Just a few seconds can be enough for things to go wrong.
Water running from everywhere can be a scary sight. So before you start fixing the leaking pipes, you need to stop the water supply temporarily. Be sure to turn off all devices connected to the system (washing machine, dishwasher).
Avoid Power Tools
Try to do as much as you can with your hand tools, especially if the water is all over the floors and walls. Fixing leaky or crack pipes usually don’t require power tools. Use it only if necessary, and only when you are sure that the location of the breakdown has dried.
Always wear safety gloves, no matter it’s just a tiny hole. Metal conducts electricity very quickly, and you can never be sure where the power installations are. Be especially careful if you have to break the wall to reach the pipe.
Have an Emergency Plumbing Kit
Any problem is easier to solve when noticed on time. As this is not always possible, the malfunction can sometimes escalate and require immediate reaction. In this hurry, you can’t remember where your tool is and what you need at all.
An experienced Fairfax plumber suggests preparing a small kit with the tools required for a quick fix on the water supply network. Some of the essentials are gloves, a flashlight, a few screwdrivers, a repair tape, a monkey wrench, and if there is a flood in your home, you will probably need a bigger bucket for cleaning up the mess or collect the water.
As for an emergency fix, it is advisable to get epoxy, a specific plumbing adhesive. It should be applied to the pipe where it is leaking and let it thicken for a few minutes. It is a quick and reliable but temporary solution. In the next few days, you need to replace the pipe or call a plumbing expert to permanently fix the problem.
Patch Solutions
If you have already decided to be a DIY handyman, at least until the professional plumber comes, you need to know how to close the hole in the pipe temporarily. Consider that it should last for a few days as all good plumbers are very busy.
Epoxy adhesive is quite easy to work with. It has a consistency like clay so it should be softened first. Hold the required amount between your palms until it softens enough to fit on the tube. The epoxy patch should be larger than the hole. After it hardens, you can turn on the water supply. Apply another layer if you still notice traces of leakage.
While epoxy fits for copper and metal pipes, it is best to put rubber or silicone repair tape on PVC fittings. It is easy to use and very flexible so that you can use it anywhere on the pipes or joints. Patch made of rubber and hose clamps can help, too.
Critical Leakage
Patches will help with minor damage. However, when the hole is bigger, you should replace part or the entire tube. It’s not complicated to do, but it requires a bit of skill and a steady hand. Drain and dry the pipes before you start.
Keep in mind that not just the hole but a wider area around it is damaged. So when removing that part, don’t hesitate to cut off the larger piece of pipe. The fixing cement fastens quickly; as soon as you apply it, insert the replacement part, and wait a bit. This way, you’ll be sure everything is connected properly.
Think of Prevention
In most cases, bursting occurs in worn out installations. Copper and cast iron pipes are more likely to crack than fittings made of PVC or CPVC. Almost always, these are water supply channels in the ground; over time, they rust and thin.
The same is the situation with pipes intended for hot water supply. Water from the boiler generates negative ions during heating. While passing through ducts, these ions act like acid and erode the tube walls.
It’s of great importance to replace worn-out water pipes on time. Plastic pipes are a good choice, but their thickness should also be taken into account. PVC and CPVC fittings are not recommended for hot water, as they cannot withstand high temperatures. For this purpose, experts recommend PEX tubes. Find out more about this and other plumbing pipe materials here.
No matter if you live in a house or flat, there’s always something to do. If you are skilled enough, you can do most of these things on your own. But if you’re not handy with using the tools, don’t have the time, or you think you could only worsen the problem, you should call the professionals.
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