DIY Plumbing Leak Repair
Plumbing leaks are one of those problems that need to be fixed as soon as they are noticed, or you will be emptying your wallet for more repairs than just tightening up a leaky pipe. I have learned this first-hand that sometimes all it takes is a simple $15 or $20 fix to repair a problem that can easily grow to cost thousands of dollars in damages.
Usually, the first sign of a leak is a stain on a ceiling or water settling around a low area. Periodically check all your sinks, toilets, and pipe fixtures to catch any leaks ahead of time. The time it takes you to do this simple check can save you a ton of money in the long-run.
One of the most common places for leaks to start is at the drain. This can be a toilet, sink or tub drain and can easily be fixed by tightening up the connections or switching out old pipes for new PVC pipes.
Individual fixtures is another common place for leaks to develop. Feel around the areas where the fixtures attach to the pipes for any water. By turning the water off to that fixture only, you can still keep water to the rest of the house.
Knowing where the main water shut off to your home is can be one of the most important things you will need to know about your residence. You will need to be able to shut the water off if there is a leak in the main water supply pipes. The faster you can turn the water off, the more money you will save from more damage being done. If you have an older home, and the pipes are the galvanized type, fixing these can be tricky. With older pipes, when you fix the original leak, you may accidentally jar another pipe and start another leak.
Another problem that can cause a leak in your galvanized or copper piping is a nail in the pipe. This may not start a leak right away, but after a while, the nail will begin to rust and cause the pipe to rust and leak as well. This is why it is very important to be careful when putting in moldings or baseboards in your home.
Fixing PVC plastic pipes can be extremely simple. Be sure what type of pipes are used in your home and know the type of cement or glue that was used with the pipes. Also you will need to pay close attention to the curing times of the glue or cement to prevent any other leaks to occur.
With a bit of knowledge, you can be rest assured that a water leak in your home is no cause for worry and can be fixed easily with the right tools.
