It’s a fact of life that at some point we’ll have to contend with a leak. Even the most diligent and conscientious homeowners can’t see everything, and through faulty joins, changes in temperature, or just good old wear and tear, it is very likely that our homes will experience the odd leak or two over the years.
In fact, QBE found that 58% of their survey respondents had experienced internal water damage or knew someone who had. More than that, a whopping 77% of people who had experienced water damage at home themselves were home at the time.
It’s annoying and an inconvenience, sure, but with a timely response, that’s all it has to be.
Good plumbing practice is all about prevention. At the first sign of a leak, make sure you diagnose the problem and consider whether it’s a DIY fix or a more professional job. How can you tell the difference?
Let’s get into it.
What is a Pipe Leak?
A pipe leak is, at its simplest, a failing in the integrity of the pipe or in one of the joins or fittings that hold pipes to one another. Sometimes the adhesive or sealant holding one pipe to another degrades, other times a seal fails, or the pipe itself experiences a crack. Under high enough pressure, this crack can cause water to burst out like a fire hydrant.
Signs you might have a pipe leak include areas of unexplained dampness. Condensation in or around walls, damaged wall paint or stained ceilings, puddles on the floor in unlikely places, and the growth of mould and mildew in strange places are all signs of a pipe leak. But sometimes, the signs are even more subtle.
Sudden rises in your water bill and a lack of water pressure may also be signs that your water supply is not at its best, as you end up paying for water you’re not even using!
DIY Temporary Fixes for Pipe Leaks
In an emergency, there are a few ways to patch a leak before a more permanent solution can be made.
The first and most important step is to immediately turn off the house’s water supply. You can do this by turning it off at the outdoor water meter in the front yard.
Then, if you can gain access to the pipe:
- Dry the area around the crack or split.
- Add a layer of epoxy putty and mould it to fill the damage.
- Cover the putty with a layer of tightly wound duct tape (or plumbers’ tape if you have it handy).
- For an additional layer of protection, cover the tape with a pipe repair clamp to hold everything in place.
- Turn the water back on and assess for any leakage. If there is still limited moisture, wrap an old towel around the clamp to soak up water.
While this can be an effective fix in emergencies, it is important to note that this can only be temporary, and a cracked pipe or seal will need a replacement.
It is important to try to dry the immediate area as much as possible to avoid further damage. Use an old towel to wipe down walls and plasterboard, mop up any puddles or pools, and be extra careful where water or moisture has come near any electrical fittings.
Remember, DIY work can be dangerous, so when in doubt, always call in the services of a professional plumber.
The Importance of Professional Pipe Leak Repair
For more difficult plumbing problems or if you’re still experiencing a leak even after DIY repairs, enlist in professional plumbing services.
While it can be tempting and rewarding to try to tackle your own house maintenance, professional plumbers will already have the tools and equipment needed to fix your problem.
Their work also comes with a stamp of warranty to give you additional peace of mind. For example, at The Relining Company, we offer a 35-year guarantee on all of our work—every single job.
A professional plumber will provide a proper inspection of the leak area and the surrounding plumbing. If you have attempted a DIY fix, take note of any signs of corrosion and other water damage and let your plumber know. It’s always best to get water leaks seen ASAP, especially if they are linked to drains and sewerage.
The Costs of Inaction
Unaddressed or improperly repaired sewerage leaks can come with a slew of problems, not just for the integrity of your house, but for your health as well. Still water is a haven for illness-causing bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause extreme sickness and even life-threatening infections.
Cracked and broken sewerage pipes can also leak foul-smelling gases like ammonia, hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg smell), and methane. High levels of ammonia can cause nose and throat irritation and too much localised methane can be an explosive fire hazard. In situations like this, don’t risk your health or the health of your family, and get an accredited plumber to provide a leakproof restoration of your plumbing.
So, what can you do? Well, prevention is better than a cure, so getting an annual plumbing inspection is one way to safeguard your house’s future. Making sure your pipes are well-insulated is another way, especially if you live in a cold climate. The best way is vigilance. At the first sign of strange spots of moisture or if bad smells are building up around bathrooms or other drains, call in a plumber and provide them with as much detail as you can.
That way, a minor inconvenience stays that way before it turns into a full plumbing replacement or health hazard.
The Right Repairs for the Right Price
But how much is it going to cost? Well, that depends on a few factors, including pipe diameter and the extent of the damage, but one thing we can tell you is that the sooner a plumber gets a look at potential damage, the faster, simpler and cheaper the repair.
For cost estimates and to book an obligation-free onsite inspection, check out our website.
Choosing the Right Professional for Pipe Leak Repair
So, you’ve got a leak, you need a plumber, but you don’t know who to call. What should you look for in a plumbing service?
Look for reputable, accredited plumbers who have extensive experience in a range of plumbing areas. You should be able to find this information on their website. As well as credentials and professional history, look for plumbers who have positive Google reviews from past customers. A history of happy customers is your best way of ensuring a positive plumbing experience.
So, next time you suspect you have a leaky pipe, bad smells are coming out of your drains, or you find a mystery puddle of water, don’t wait. Contact the friendly team at The Relining Company for an obligation-free assessment of your plumbing situation, and to get your plumbing back to its best as soon as possible.
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