Water leaks in the house can cause expensive repairs due to mold and mildew damage, wood floor swelling, and the destruction of appliances. Homeowners should be on standby to fix leaks, whether from the ceiling, an old faucet, or a broken pipe.
Repairing these water leaks is easy. You can do so by first finding the source of the leak. If a pipe is damaged, turn off the main water supply and apply putty on the leaking pipes. If there’s a missing shingle, temporarily replace it or repair it with roof cement.
Are you worried about household water leaks? J. Blanton Plumbing is ready to help if you’re not exactly the hands-on type. When you hire them, you get trained technicians who are licensed to care for your water-leaking problem. Their prices are also favorable, and you get access to same-day service.
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How to temporarily fix household water leaks
While you can quickly contact plumbing experts once you notice water leaks in the house, fixing the problem before they arrive can be helpful. This will reduce the extent of water damage in the home. These steps will help you temporarily fix household water leaks.
1. Look for the source of the leak
Besides plumbing pipes and faucets, house ceilings, roofs, and walls can also leak. Roofs leak due to broken or missing shingles, chimney damage, and poorly installed flashing. You are more likely to notice these kinds of leaks if it rains.
If the roof leaks, the water will soak into the inner materials and drip through the ceiling. You may notice black, yellow, or brown marks on a leaking ceiling. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause damage to wooden floors and encourage mold growth.
If the roof or ceiling is the source of the leak, check if there are broken shingles. You can get replacement shingles and fix the spaces using roof cement, sealant, or place a temporary shingle. However, this is a quick fix, and you’ll need to call a professional to do actual repairs.
2. Turn off the main water supply
If you have a new and correctly working roof, the reason for the leak could be a faulty faucet or broken pipes. These leaks let out a lot of water and can cause flooding. Start by switching off the main water supply pipe to stop the water from flowing.
You can start by turning off the main water valve outside the house. Check for shut-off valves under the sinks and underside of the toilet. Most main water supply valves are located in the basement or on a visible wall outside the house, but if you can’t find yours, call a plumber. Once no more water flows through the pipes, turn on the faucets to let out the excess water. It’s easier to repair empty lines.
3. Dry the leaking pipe
If the leak is due to a punctured pipe, you will have noticed it by this time. So dry the pipe with a clean cloth to ensure it’s not slippery for easy repair. Besides, some repairing substances like putty might require the line to be dry before applying.
Once the pipe is dry, place a bucket underneath to collect any excess water. Check the type of damage on the line to prepare for repairs. It could be a simple loose fitting with another connecting pipe that requires tightening. If there’s a hole in the pipe, you’ll need plumbing putty to block it.
4. Apply putty to the pipe
Your pipes could have holes or cracks because they’re old. The best way to deal with cracking lines is to replace them. This could take a while, but you can control the leaks by applying plumbing putty on them for a temporary seal.
Plumbing putty has dangerous chemicals that can burn your skin, so you should wear latex gloves. Once your gloves are on, get the putty from the tube and mix it until it turns gray. Mixing the putty helps to activate it.
Once the putty is ready, wrap a thin layer around the leaking pipe and press the edges to create a seal. Wait for it to dry before turning on the main water supply pipe again.
5. Replace the pipe
Wrapping the leaking part with plumbing putty is a temporary fix to stop the leaking, but the problem could recur after a while. So replacing the pipe is the best way to eliminate a leak. Although buying a new line is expensive, it’s worth the cost.
When buying the new pipe, ensure you get the measurements and sizes right because it should match the connecting lines. You should also get higher-quality tubes to last you longer.
6. Get professional help
Pipe replacement can be a lot of work because it requires plumbing knowledge. Ensure you hire a qualified plumber to fix a new line. It helps to check their certificates and licenses to ensure they’re qualified.
Prevent future water leaks
It’s impossible to predict water leaks from broken shingles or damaged pipes. However, you can take precautions to prevent such leaks from happening. Some of the ways to prevent future water leaks in your home include the following.
1. Inspecting your roof
Annual roof inspections are necessary because they enable you to notice any early damage. You may see broken or missing shingles before the rainy season and replace them early enough. Besides, roofs have an expiry date, so if yours is too old, ensure you schedule a replacement.
2. Monitor water pressure
Ensure you monitor water pressure to prevent leaking accidents. Too high water pressure can cause pipes to burst, leading to water leaks. You can also buy and install an electronic water leak detector on your main water supply pipe to detect any small leaks before they become too big and unmanageable.
3. Replace the pipes with more quality ones
Copper and plastic pipes have a shorter lifespan than PEX pipes. Although buying and replacing all the lines in the house can be expensive, they reduce the chances of leaking and causing water damage.
Final words
Walking into a flooded home can be a frightening experience, and you’ll need to take the necessary steps to stop the leaking as soon as possible. Switch off the main water supply valve and repair your pipes with plumbing putty. If the problem is your roof, ensure you replace any missing shingles.
