Pipe leaks occur regularly and sometimes you can fix them without needing a professional plumber. So naturally, last Tuesday, when I saw a leakage in my bathroom, I decided to take matters into my own hands!
What You’ll Need
These are the materials I bought after watching countless DIY videos:
• Plumbers Tape
• Pipe Clamp
• Compound Stick
• Knife
• Piece of Cloth
• Epoxy Paste
• Sandpaper
• Screwdriver
The Process
Turn it off
The first step is to turn off the water supply. Make sure water is no longer flowing through the pipe.
Clean it Up
Once the water supply is cut off, make sure to clean the pipe with sandpaper. This will remove any molds around the pipe and keep it dry.
Put Tape On
Put the sealing plumber’s tape and apply it on the leak. What I learned is that you need to wrap the tape until there are many layers around the pipe. It must be at least a few inches out on all sides.
Seal it Neat
Apply the epoxy paste on the leakage area. Fun fact; the epoxy paste must first be flattened on your palm and then pasted on the pipe surface. Allow the paste to set for about 20 to 25 minutes and turn on the water supply.
Other Methods
Although the first process is a simple one, I googled other pipe leaking solutions and came up with other methods that can be used as well.
Tight Joints
For this process, using a small wrench, tighten the bolts that attach the threaded joints. Make sure to not use much force as this could lead to cracking of the pipes. Before tightening, make sure to clean and dry the pipe to then apply some epoxy paste.
Use Your Hose
Using a knife, cut a section of the hose and wrap it around the pipe where the leak is present. On the underside of the pipe, attach the clamp meant for the hose and you may also wrap plumber’s tape for extra precaution.
Clamping
In case of minute leaks, use a compound stick and rub it on the slit or hole on the pipe where the leak is. It is not necessary to turn off the water supply for this process.
End Result
I was really happy with the end result. It didn’t cost me much time or money and I now have a perfectly working pipe. Click here for more tips on how to minimize pipe leaks!
