How to Stop Leaking Pipes in Your House

Leaking pipes are a pretty common occurrence, and they can affect you whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner. In either case, you need to know how to get the situation under control by applying temporary measures to stop wastage of water and the escalating bills that they generate. Although the measures discussed in this blog post may stop the leak temporarily, it may return over time, so you should always call a licenced plumber for long-term solutions such as hot water systems repair and drain cleaning. Here are a few steps you can take to stop leaking pipes until you can get a plumber out to fix the problem.

Shut Off the Main Water Valve

The most pressing concern when you’ve got a leak is turning off the water gushing out of the pipe or tap in your residence. Not only does it contribute to a high bill due to the wasted water, but it can also lead to pooling of water on timber or carpet that can damage floors. The first step is to locate the main water valve, which is usually near your water meter. It might be a ball valve or a gate valve, but either way it should have a switch action that turns off the flow of water. This will stop the water flow and give you some time to call a plumber.

Try Fixing the Leak with Epoxy

You can glue up leaks with epoxy, but first you need to shut off the water and wait for the pipe to dry completely. Knead the epoxy so that it turns one colour and is ready to apply. Use a decent amount of epoxy to cover the crack in the pipe, pressing lightly to apply it. Next, wrap this epoxy layer with duct tape to ensure no water can get through.

Get Professional Help with Leaking Pipes

There are more permanent fixes you can do at home, but the potential drawbacks in terms of time and the risk of the fix not working outweigh the possible advantages. For major leaks, it’s always best to call a professional plumber, saving you hassle and money in the long-term.

Next time you need help with leaking pipes, hot water systems repair, pipe and cable location or drain cleaning in Berwick and surrounds, call Better Plumbing Solutions on 0468 582 686.