A leaky pipe may not seem like a significant problem, but it is. In fact, thousands of gallons of water (and money) can escape through a leaky pipe before you even become aware of it. Americana Plumbing believes plumbing leaks are one of the most common household problems repaired by licensed plumbers.
Fortunately, there are several inexpensive ways to fix leaking pipes when you need a plumber in Hollywood Hills Preventing leaking pipes is much easier than fixing them. So before calling a licensed plumber, be sure to try these simple steps first.
1. Replace Rubber Gaskets
A rubber gasket is used to seal the joint between two pipes. They are often installed near faucets and sink drains as part of the plumbing system. Over time, they can wear out and become damaged. If this happens, they need to be replaced immediately, so water doesn’t leak into other areas of your home or business.
2. Use Plumbers Tape
One of the easiest ways to fix a leaky pipe is using plumbers tape. Plumbers tape is a type of pipe sealant that you wrap around the threads of your plumbing fixture to keep water from leaking out. The sealant creates an airtight barrier so no water can escape your pipe.
There are several types of plumbers tape available, including:
Teflon tape – Teflon tape is made from a synthetic material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This material prevents corrosion and helps prevent leaks in many types of pipes and fittings.
Silicone tape – Silicone tape is made from silicone rubber, often used in medical applications because it doesn’t stick or adhere to the skin.
Nitrile rubber tape – Nitrile rubber tape is made from nitrile rubber and works well in high-temperature environments.
3. Secure a Pipe Clamp Over the Leak
A pipe clamp is a plumbing tool that clamps around the pipe’s leaky section and seals it from further damage. The clamp has two parts: one end goes over the damaged area of the pipe, while the other is secured by tightening with pliers.
Here are four ways you can use a pipe clamp to fix your leaking pipes:
- Secure the clamp around the damaged area of the pipe and tighten it with pliers until it seals off the leak completely
- Use multiple clamps if necessary
- If you have multiple leaks in one area, try replacing all damaged sections with new pipes instead of using clamps because this might leave gaps between sections that could cause more leaks later on
- Replace damaged sections of pipe with new ones if all else fails
4. Tighten Slip Nuts Between Pipes
If a leak comes from the joints where pipes connect, tighten the slip nuts between pipes. These are the nuts that hold the pipes together. They have rubber washers, which can wear out and cause leaks. If you tighten these down enough, they’ll stop leaking.
If you leak at a joint, it may be difficult to see what’s leaking. Use a flashlight and look at all your joints to find the one leaking.
Slip nuts are usually made of brass or zinc-plated steel. They come in different sizes, so use ones that fit snugly over your pipes without being too tight. You don’t want them to leak because you over tightened them!
To tighten slip nuts, use pliers or channel locks on the nut and turn clockwise until it stops turning freely (or as far as possible). Then use needle-nose pliers or similar tools to grab onto the wire or tube inside the pipe and pull it back toward its original position; this will tighten things up even more and stop any leaks coming from these connections
Americana Plumbing
Leaking pipes are not only inconvenient but can also cause extensive amounts of damage over time. Pipes that leak sewage or water that leaks in your basement can cause extensive damage to your floors and walls. Fixing a leak is easy.
Many people need to understand that homeowners can take care of many small leaks if they know what to look for and how to fix them. Americana Plumbing is ready to help when you need plumber in Hollywood Hills.
