Are you facing a leaky pipe? Not sure what to do? If you’re leaning toward do-it-yourself plumbing fixes, at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we encourage you to exercise caution. Temporary, DIY plumbing fixes are just that — temporary. They aren’t designed to provide a durable, long-term solution for leaks and cracks, and without professional attention, your plumbing problem is likely to grow worse.
Below, we’re discussing a few readily available quick fixes on the market, and how they can cost you big time if you use them as a long-term remedy.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
We cannot stress this one enough: Avoid chemical drain cleaners at all costs! This is especially true if you own an older home and the plumbing system has not been updated in quite some time. Why avoid these cleaners if they’re readily available?
Chemical drain cleaners are highly caustic, meaning they can literally eat away at the interior of your pipes with repeated use. Ultimately, your pipes can sprout leaks, which can cause extensive water damage to your home if you’re unaware of the issue.
If you’re dealing with a clogged or slow drain, contact a plumber or professional drain cleaner to remedy the problem. Though professional service is more expensive, it’ll pay for itself in the long run.
Epoxy Sealant
Did your pipe spring a little leak? Feeling tempted to seal it with epoxy? Think twice before you attempt this quick fix. Though epoxy putty will harden against the pipe and provide a temporary seal, it’s not a long-term solution by any means. Depending on the extent of the leak and the location of the affected pipe, it may be more cost effective to opt for a replacement.
Pipe Clamps
Though pipe clamps are notoriously durable, they’re not meant to provide a long-term remedy for leaky pipes. You can use a pipe clamp as a temporary solution to contain a leak, but leaving it in place for weeks on end is asking for trouble. To avoid rising water bills or unintentional water damage, contact a plumber to have the pipe professionally repaired.
Pipe Wraps
As a temporary fix, pipe wraps are simple to apply and quite versatile, too. Like epoxy, these wraps harden after application, providing a solid patch for minor leaks and cracks. However, leaving a wrap on a damage pipe can potentially set you up for water damage down the road. It’s fine to rely on a pipe wrap until your plumber can inspect the damage, but don’t plan to let it sit for more than a few days.
Plumbing Repair Tape
Ever hear people claim that duct tape fixes everything? Have you tested the theory? The outcome is disappointing, to say the least. But honestly, what kind of results can you really expect from a bit of adhesive tape? The same holds true for plumbing repair tape — as a quick fix, it’ll hold up for a couple of days, but don’t expect it to last. Of all the DIY plumbing remedies we see, tape is probably the least durable.
Repair Sleeves
Repair sleeves are only meant for the tiniest of leaks and cracks. Though they provide a strong shield against leakage, they’re not meant for extended use. Keep in mind that unless you hire a professional plumber to repair the damage, even the smallest cracks can grow worse over time.
Rubber Pipe Connectors
For leaky joints, rubber pipe connectors offer a solid, temporary fix. That said, if you use connectors as a long-term solution, over time, the rubber can dry out and crack. Eventually, aging connectors will allow the leak to spring forth once again, and without professional attention, the problem may grow worse in the interim.
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating: Quality Plumbing Repair You Can Trust
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been providing quality, reliable plumbing repair throughout Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. If you’re facing leaky pipes or other plumbing problems, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for help. We’re on call 24/7 for emergency service, so whenever you need us, we guarantee we’ll be there!
To schedule service or request an estimate, give our team a call at 715-421-1800. You can also get in touch with us by filling out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in contact with you promptly.