There are times when you simply can’t wait for a plumber to arrive to take care of a minor plumbing problem. Waiting may result in water damage, so it’s best to know a few quick fixes in advance that can help you out until the plumber comes to your rescue.
Rick’s Plumbing has a team of experienced professional plumbers who are here to provide you with fast, reliable, and affordable plumbing services. We’re available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call us the next time you need a plumbing technician.
Issues like leaking pipes and clogged drains are often easy to fix if you know what you’re doing. Luckily, there are some quick fixes you can do yourself to take care of common issues. These fixes can save you money and prevent significant water damage to your home. Here are four of them.
Faulty Water Heater
If your water heater is leaking, it’s best to turn it off right away. You can then either call a professional to fix it or try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can check the pressure relief valve to see if it’s working properly. The main reason why most water heaters don’t work efficiently is because of a build up of sediment. When a layer of sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, it prevents the water heater from heating the water properly. As a result, your water heater will have to work harder to heat the water, which can lead to slow arrival of hot water.
How to Flush Your Water Heater
If you think sediment might be the issue, you can try flushing the tank. To do this, turn off your water heater. Next, run hot water in one of your sinks for about 10 minutes. Shut off the cold water valve that leads to your water heater and attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Connect the hose to a nearby floor drain. Without closing the drain valve or disconnecting the garden hose, re-open the cold water valve. Let the water run until it becomes clear, then close the drain valve. Turn your water heater back on and check to see if the problem has been fixed.
Leaking Pipe
Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems. The good news is that they’re often easy to fix. First, you need to determine where the leak is coming from. Once you’ve done that, turn off the water to the affected area and measure the circumference of the leaking pipe.
How to Turn Off The Water
To turn off the water to leaking pipe, find the closest shut off valve. Showers and tubs have a shut off valve usually located on the wall. Sinks and toilets have a tiny knob under them that you can turn to the right to shut off the water. Once you’ve found the shut off valve, turn it clockwise to turn off the water.
However, if the leak is far from a local shut off valve, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to your home. The main shut off valve is usually located where the city water supply enters your home. Once you’ve found it, turn the handle clockwise to shut it off.
The Accurate Repair Supplies
You should visit the nearest hardware store to buy the accurate repair supplies to stop the leak until you can replace the leaking pipe. For iron pipes get an epoxy compound. Get a pipe clamp or wrap if you have PVC, copper or any other type of pipes.
How to Fix a Leaking Iron Pipe: Apply the epoxy putty on the outside of the pipe where it is leaking. You can get a good seal by applying it around the circumference of the pipe.
How to Fix Leaking PVC, Copper or Other Pipes: You can use a pipe clamp or wrap to fix this type of leak. First, clean the area around the leak with sandpaper. Next, apply the pipe wrap or clamp around the circumference of the pipe. Make sure it’s tight so that it can create a seal. The pressure will keep the leak sealed until you can replace the pipe.
Although these products will prevent water from leaking out, they are not permanent fixes. You’ll need to replace the pipe as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
Leaking Pipe Joint
Leaking pipes are easier to handle than leaking pipe joints. The angle of the pipe joint can make it difficult to get a good seal. The good news is that there are some tools designed to handle such problems.
Rubber pipe connectors and repair sleeves are flexible and can be used on pipes that are at an angle. They will press against the sides of the pipe and provide a tight seal. You can find these tools at most hardware stores.
How to Fix a Leaking Pipe Joint: It’s important that you get your measurements right when using rubber pipe connectors or repair sleeves. Cut and apply the rubber connectors over the leaking pipe joint until they fit tightly. Make sure it’s tight so that it can create a seal. The pressure will keep the leak sealed until you can replace the pipes. Repair sleeves are better suited for smaller joint leaks. Use a clamp to secure the rubber wrap in place.
Again, these are not permanent solutions and you’ll need to replace the pipe as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home. If you have a stubborn leak, you can support either the rubber pipes or repair sleeves with duct tape. But this would make it even more important to replace the pipe as soon as possible.
Cracked Porcelain
A cracked or broken porcelain sink is a common problem in both old and new homes. While it may not seem like a big deal, it can actually lead to serious problems if left unaddressed. A crack in your sink can cause water to seep into the surrounding area, leading to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, cracks can become larger over time, eventually leading to the need for a new sink.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix cracks in your porcelain sink. For small cracks, you can use super glue. Simply apply the glue to the crack and allow it to dry. This will help to seal the crack and prevent water from seeping through.
For larger cracks, you’ll need to use plumber’s putty. Start by applying plumber’s putty to the inner side of the leak. Squeeze the putty into the crack, and then use a putty knife to spread it evenly. Next, apply caulk over the top to create an additional seal. The caulk stays on longer than the putty but it’s hard to put it on alone. Allow the putty and caulk to dry completely before using the sink.
While these fixes will work in the short term, it’s important to replace the sink if it’s severely cracked or broken. Cracks can grow over time, eventually leading to leaks. A new sink is a small price to pay for preventing water damage in your home.
If you’re not comfortable doing any of these quick fixes yourself, it’s always best to call a professional. They have the experience and knowledge to properly fix your plumbing issue, and they can also help you prevent future problems.
Contact Us For All Your Plumbing Emergencies
Rick’s Plumbing is here for all your plumbing needs. We provide a wide range of services, including quick fixes, pipe repair & replacement, drain cleaning, and more. Contact us today at 203-874-6629 to schedule a consultation. We’re always happy to help!