Everyone has dealt with a sudden pipe leak at some point. At All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer quality pipe repair and replacement to get your plumbing system up and running again ASAP. But what should you do to mitigate water damage until we arrive? Keep reading to learn how to stop a pipe leak while you wait for a plumber, courtesy of our experienced professionals.
Steps to Stop a Pipe Leak While You Wait for a Plumber
- Turn Off the Water: Before you can even think about dealing with a leaky pipe, you need to stop the flow of water that’s causing the leak. If you can’t find the water supply valve for the faulty pipe, look for your home’s main shut-off valve and then turn on the closest tap after you’ve turned it off to ensure the flow of water has stopped.
- Clean Up the Water: You can’t hope to patch a leaky pipe that’s wet, and leaving water on the floor is a safety hazard. To prevent water damage and accidents, wipe the leaky pipe down and clean up any pooling water around it after the water supply has been turned off.
- Tighten the Joints: It is possible that one of the reasons your pipe started leaking was because of a loose joint. Even if this was not the cause of your leak though, tightening the pipe joint will help prevent more water from dripping out while you wait for a plumber.
- Scrape off Rust: If your pipe is covered in rust of jags, it will be harder to patch. Smoothing off the surface of the pipe will make it easier for your patchwork to hold.
- Patch the Pipe: Once you’ve completed the above steps, you are ready to patch your pipes. The best way to do this is with any epoxy putty, since this will harden quickly. You can also wrap neoprene – this is the type of synthetic rubber most garden hoses are made of – around the pipe for extra security. And if all else fails, duct tape should also be able to get the job done until your plumber arrives.
For more plumbing tips and tricks, or to schedule pipe repair with our professionals now, call All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical at (909) 500-8193. You can also send us a message online.
