repairing leaky pipes / fittings

Ultimately, any leaking pipe or fitting will need replacing. There are temporary measures that will serve until you make a permanent repair.

Note: Major plumbing problems are best left to those trained in their repair.

1) For a pinhole leak, dry off the pipe & wrap it w/ several layers of plastic electrician's tape. Wind it about 6" in either direction of the hole. At fittings, it is best to pack epoxy plumber's putty around the connection. This fast-setting compound makes a watertight patch.

2) An automotive hose clamp & a piece of rubber or sheet cork, available at most hardware & auto supply stores, also makes an effective leak stopper. Wrap the rubber or sheet cork around the pipe & tighten the clamp. If the leak seems to be more a drip than a squirt, & you can't find the location, the pipe simply may be sweating. Wrapping it w/ insulation will eliminate condensation. NOTE: The galvanized pipe commonly used homes built a generation ago has the tendency to rust from the inside out. Once a leak appears, you can expect others to follow. If the pipes at your house have begun to deteriorate, lay in a supply of pipe sleeves sized to fit your lines. These make semi-permanent repairs that will last for several years.

Plumbing Tools & Materials • plastic electrician's tape • epoxy plumber's putty • automotive hose clamp • rubber or sheet cork • insulation • pipe tape • joint compound • petroleum jelly • joint compound • joint compound • joint compound

Difficulty: Intermediate

Repair Time: 30-45min

Advice by Friendly Plumber ® • Always unplug the unit first (underneath the cabinet) before putting your hand in the disposer

3) Drain-waste-vent (or DWV) lines are less prone to leak. Sometimes a cleanout plug will begin to ooze water. Warn everyone not to use any fixtures for a few minutes, then remove the plug & reseal it. For iron plugs, wrap the threads w/ pipe tape or coat them w/ joint compound. Plastic plugs twist free. Lubricate the o-ring w/ petroleum jelly & replace the plug.

4) Leaks at the joints of cast-iron DWV pipes are easy to repair. If it is the hub-and-spigot type, tamping down the soft lead it has been sealed w/ usually will eliminate the problem. Don't hit the pipe too hard; you could crack it. If your home's DWV lines are connected w/ no-hub clamping system, just tightening the clamp will probably stop the leak.