Call (289) 788-0038

Call (289) 788-0038

How to Patch a Pipe Leak (Until the Plumber Arrives)

The pipes used to distribute water throughout your home are normally durable and meant to last a long time. However, leaks occasionally occur, posing a potential for severe water damage to your home if not resolved right away. Leaks are especially common in the winter when frozen water in the pipes can cause cracking, and even burst pipes. At Royal Flush Plumbing, we understand that leaks are serious business and must be taken care of immediately to avoid damage to your home. If you experience a leak, consider these tips to contain it until your emergency plumbers can come to your aid.

Stop the water flow

Before you can patch your pipe leak, you need to stop water from flowing through it. If you’re not sure where to find the water supply valve for that particular pipe, turn off your home’s main shut-off valve. After doing so, run the faucet closest to the leak to drain away any remaining water inside the pipe. 

Dry the wet portion of the pipe

No patch or pipe wrap will stick well to a wet surface, so take a clean cloth and dry off the pipe. While doing so, wipe the surrounding cabinets and fixtures, mop the floor and clear the area. This will help prevent further damage and prepare the room for a Royal Flush expert to complete the repair. 

Tighten up the pipe joints

Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nearby joints of the pipe leak. If the fittings are not tight, tightening them can help form a stronger seal, making your temporary patch more likely to hold up until a Royal Flush plumber arrives. 

Prep the pipe

Using a file or piece of rough sandpaper, smooth out the leaky area to ensure there is no rust, limescale, or rough edges. Doing so will help your patch be more effective in case you have to turn the water back on before the plumber arrives.

Patch your pipe with epoxy or repair tape

The easiest way to patch a leak is with plumber’s epoxy, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Rip off a sufficient piece of the epoxy and begin moulding it in your hands until it’s mixed and ready for application. Shape the epoxy so it will cover the entire gap in the pipe and press down to apply it. Once it has been applied, smooth out the edges and allow it to settle for as long as the instructions recommend. If you don’t have any epoxy putty, reach for the duct tape. Wrap several layers around the leaky pipe, applying it as tightly as you can, and the fix should hold until the professionals arrive.

 

Royal Flush Plumbing is always available to perform emergency repairs. Based in Hamilton Ontario, we serve homeowners throughout the GTA and Southern Ontario. Our highly skilled professional plumbers boast over ten years of industry experience, and we can provide an affordable, effective repair solution.

 

If you have a leaky pipe and need a professional plumber, contact Royal Flush Plumbing today!

 

We understand that emergencies can happen at any time.

Call us 24/7 and our team of highly trained professionals will be on the road in minutes!