How to Make Emergency Plumbing Repairs

It always seems that your pipes have the bewildering way of springing that leak on a weekend, or just when your plumber has left on that week long vacation. Luckily, there are some easy ways to temporarily mend a problem until you (or you now-tanned plumbing professional) can fix the issue permanently.

First of all, turn off the water. This will take undue pressure off of the damaged area. Be certain that the spot is dry before attempting any patch or remedy. If this is a case of a pipe that isn't frozen, an electric blow dryer would do the job rapidly.

An epoxy glue or plastic tape could help the plumbing problem but different types of plugs are even better especially if you have to wait several days to solve your problem. For the most part these patches can be handled wit ha few household objects or an inexpensive trip to your local discount store.

Patch For Tiny Leaks

The best emergency plug for a miniscule leak is a pencil. Jam the sharpened pencil point into the hole and break it off. The softness of the graphite point will conform to the hole therefore stopping the leak.

Again, making sure that the pipe is dry, wrap heavy tape around the plugged area. Wrap it several inches to the left and to the right so that you are assured that the hole is completely secured.

Patch For Large Leaks

A hose patch is a very effective way to solve a pipe puncture that may be several inches in length. Split a section of garden hose the length of the damaged area of the pipe. I would also add at least a few inches on both sides to make sure that you have effectively covered the area.

You can use numerous ways to secure the hose. Flexible wire such as picture-hanging wire is strong enough to work well. Construct a series of wired loops and position them about 1-inch apart along the length of the hose covered pipe. Twist each loop tightly with pliers.

Semi Permanent Patch

This method involves using a pipe sleeve which can be purchased through local hardware or plumbing supply chains. This technique should be used especially when you have to postpone having the permanent work done for any length of time. This first two patches are fine for an emergency fix but not for a long period. You should replace the wire and hose clamp patches with a pipe sleeve as soon as possible. Fit the sleeve around the damaged area and tighten it. These sleeves come in different sizes so you must be certain of the pipe diameter that you are working with. Remember, measure twice and buy once!

Joint Leaks

The most obvious sign of water damage due to a leaking pipe is water stains on the walls pr ceilings and then the most noticeable will be the drip or puddle beneath the leak. Once again, immediately shut off the water and check your pipes. Dry the areas where you fear the leak originated from. There will be a strong possibility that the drip will be coming from a pipe joint.

When leaks appear at a threaded joint you will need to drain the pipe of all water and be sure that the pipe is completely dry. Apply epoxy cement over the leaking joint and all it harden completely. Epoxy cement can also be used on plastic pipes as well.

If it is only partially dry and you place the epoxy on the joint, then the water will seep through. So be patient and be certain that it is entirely dry before adding the epoxy. You will also want to test your repair to be confident that no water can leak through the damaged joint.

If water is coming through a lead-caulked drain joint. You will have to get out a dammar and chisel as part of your repair kit. You will need to tamp down the lead inside the hub of the pipe. Lead is soft enough to contour over the weakness so this simple method often is sufficient to reseal it.

References:
'Dare To Repair Plumbing' by Julie Sussman, Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, and Yeorgos Lampathakis

'Plumbing'(Adventures in Home Repair Series) by Richard Demske