Leaking pipes are an immediate problem that requires a quick response. If you ignore them, then you can expect lots of damage to your home. Sometimes, replacing parts and seals is not an option right away, so you need some alternatives to stop the leak quickly. Temporary fixes are not meant to last forever, but will at least mitigate any damage to rooms or furniture in your house. Having the proper parts and seals is very important to minimize pipes leaking. Real Seal manufacturers some of the greatest seal components to help avoid frequent plumbing problems. But leaks are bound to happen sometime, so here are some temporary fixes for leaks to use while waiting for a seal replacement.
Turn Off the Water Supply
This may not stop the leak completely, but it is an essential first step for any plumbing problem. Be sure to turn the water off before trying any of these temporary fixes. Cutting off the water supply to the pipes will stop the possibility of more damage happening. If turning off the water doesn’t stop the leak, it will at least slow the leak down. You may not be able to use your bathroom sink, but at least your bathroom won’t be flooded.
Epoxy Putty
You can use this compound to seal areas that have a leak. For the best results, you want to apply it to a dry and clean pipe. This may be difficult to do if the leak is persistent. Once the water is turned off, you should have an easier time getting the pipe exterior dry. Knead the putty to make it soft, and fully cover the surface area of the leak in the putty. Wait for the putty to harden, and then test the flow of water and make sure the leak has been patched.
Clamps and Patches
A pipe clamp is meant to suppress the leak so that the water doesn’t have a way to leave the pipe. If you have a crack in the pipe, you can use a clamp to cover the spot and keep the water flowing like normal. It is prudent to also use a patch with the clamp for the most effective fix. Cover the leaking area with a rubber or plastic patch. You can use electrical tape to keep the patch in place, which will make applying the clamp much easier. Once the patch is covering the leak, apply the clamp to the patch for a tight fit.
Wrap the Leak
There are multiple alternatives at hardware stores that you can keep at home to wrap a leaky section of plumbing. For leaks that happen at the joint or middle of a pipe, a rubber pipe connector will work. Repair sleeves are also a good alternative for this type of leak. In both cases, you tightly fit the sleeve or connector over the leak. This will stop the flow of water and will temporarily be like a pipe on the outside of the pipe. Pipe wraps are more similar to epoxy because they harden around the leak to prevent water flow. In any case, you are covering the leak and hopefully stopping the water.
Duct Tape
When all else fails, or you have no other option, duct tape is an alternative that you will most likely have in your garage. Wrap the duct tape around the section of the pipe that is leaking multiple times. The more times you wrap it, the more likely it will hold. This is the least effective way to fix a pipe temporarily, so use the plumbing in that section of the house as little as possible until it can be properly fixed.
Remember, temporary fixes for leaks are exactly that: temporary. They can keep they problem at bay until you get professional help. Only a real seal will actually solve the problem in the end.
