A leaky pipe is a major problem as it will saturate parts or even the majority of your living or working space to the point that harmful mold grows.  Furthermore, it is cheaper to repair a leaky pipe after the leak is found rather than wait until extensive damage has occurred and the problem has worsened.  However, reaching out to a professional plumber for a repair or replacement is not always possible due to the timing of the leak or the cost of the project.  Let’s take a quick look at what you can do to fix the leaky pipe at your home or business.

Use Pipe Repair Clamps

Pipe repair clamps are those metal clamps you likely have in your basement, shed or garage that you spot out of the corner of your eye yet rarely use.  If you have a leaking pipe, grab the pipe repair clamps and tighten them around the leaky section of the pipe.  Here’s how to do it: begin by wrapping the leaking portion of the pipe with a highly flexible yet water-resistant material such as sheet rubber.  Tighten the pipe repair clamp around the sheet rubber to generate ample pressure and put a halt to the leak.

Apply Plumbing Epoxy

The application of plumbing epoxy is fairly simple.  Begin by turning off the flow of water to the leaking pipe.  You will merely need a dollop of plumbing epoxy to seal the leaky pipe.  If you do not have plumbing epoxy at home, make a beeline to the local hardware store to buy it.  The epoxy can be easily molded and subsequently pressed over the opening.  Once the molding hardens, it is safe to turn the water on.  If the leak is no longer present, a reliable seal is in place, preventing water from moving out of the pipe and into your living/working space.  However, it must be noted the application of plumbing epoxy is typically best for minor leaks and those in cast-iron pipes.  If the leak in the pipe is significant, it is better to rely on a local plumber for professional assistance.

Consider a Neoprene Repair Sleeve

Neoprene repair sleeves can be applied to quite the lengthy portion of a pipe.  These sleeves are typically held in position with clamps such as the pipe repair clamps described above.  The sleeve will spread out pressure across the entirety of the leak, stopping the water from spraying outward.  As long as the leak is a hairline split or similar, the application of a neoprene repair sleeve will help hold the pipe together until a nearby plumber can perform the necessary repair.

Apply Pipe Tape

Though some homeowners rush to apply duct tape to temporarily mitigate water expose from a pipe leak, duct tape is not completely waterproof.  If the pipe in question has several pinhole leaks or slight cracks, the better approach is to wind the pipe tape around the area that requires repair.  Pipe tape is optimal as it is highly resistant to particularly high and low temperatures, much more waterproof than other types of tape and resistant to corrosion.

A Rubber Pipe Connector Might do the Job 

Leaks along the joint or in the middle portion of the pipe can be mitigated with the application of rubber connectors or couplings wrapped to tighten the leaky area.  A rubber pipe connector will help stop already-used water from the washing machine, toilet water and other drainage from collecting around the leak.  As long as you are willing to do the little bit of cutting necessary to apply the rubber pipe connector in the proper manner, it should mitigate the leak until an in-depth analysis can be performed by a professional plumber.