How to stop a leaking pipe and save money
There are many reasons why your pipes may be leaking, and it is vital that homeowners understand the damage that a leak can entail, and not to ignore it.
Some of the reasons for leaking water pipes are
Select:
Temperature changes
Pipes can freeze during the colder months of the year, causing them to contract. When water then runs through the pipes, they expand and cause gaps which can lead to leaks
Hard water
Mineral deposits from the hard water stick to the infrastructure’s interior and weaken the material. Some pipes spring pinhole leaks that seep under flooring, behind walls and through sewer lines. The buildup of calcium and magnesium can eventually cause cracking, clogging and backups
Deterioration
As your plumbing system ages, rust and other forms of corrosion can eat away at the pipes in your home and eventually create an opening for water to escape through
Bad workmanship
If an inexperienced or unqualified plumber has carried out the task of fitting or servicing your water pipes, this could lead to issues with leakage, if joints are not tight enough or the wrong materials have been used
Clogs
Hair, dirt, and grease can all play a part in clogging your drainage. You may notice your drains are clogged if your sinks, showers, and toilets are draining much slower than usual.
How to stop a leaking water pipe
It is usually best to call in a professional plumber if you are not experienced or confident with tackling the issue yourself, as trying to fix a water pipe without the knowledge or experience can result in further damage being caused.
If you need a simple, temporary fix that can tide you over in the short term before implementing a long term solution by a professional, then there are a range of materials and solutions on the market to help with that such as:
Plumber’s Putty
For pinhole leaks or slightly larger, or if you have a leak at a fitting joint, plumbers putty is the simplest way to plug it and is widely available both online and in-store at DIY and home improvement stores.
Generally speaking, it consists of two components that when mixed together form a strong waterproof seal. To start, turn the water supply off. Clean and dry the section of the pipe where the leak is present. Work the putty into the hole and around it, using a putty knife if necessary to guarantee smooth coverage. Let the putty dry. Once it has fully hardened, turn the water back on and check for leaks – repeat the process if necessary.
Pipe repair clamp
A pipe repair clamp consists of two metal plates and a rubber patch which are placed over the hole and around the pipe, they are then tightened together with screws. This is a simple, quick and solid solution for repairs to pipes made of steel, copper, asbestos cements, cast iron and plastic pipes.
Pipe repair spray
Pipe repair spray is ideal for temporarily repairing leaks in pipes, guttering, drains, windows and roofs. It seals by seeping into the cracks and holes caused by the burst. A good pipe repair spray remains flexible and pliable for years and protects the surface from corrosion. Once dry, you can paint it any colour.
Pipe repair rubber tape
Pipe repair rubber tape is a good temporary fix for leaking pipes. Turn the water supply off and wrap the tape a few times around the leaking pipe to help make a watertight seal. Suitable for jointing, splicing and repairing cables, hoses, plastic and metallic tubes. This is also one of the most inexpensive ways to temporarily stop pipe leakage.
It is a good idea to find out the source of the pipe leak as this could be indicative of an eroding piping system. If this is the case, it is best to enlist a professional to look at the piping system before further damage may happen. These measures may help to temporarily halt the leak, but it could be a warning of a more serious issue.
How much does it cost to replace a water pipe?
According to checkatrade, the main factors affecting the cost of water pipe replacements are determined by:
- Length of piping
- Type of piping
- Route of pipework
- Your location
For accurate quotations on the cost of replacing a water pipe, it is recommended that you get in touch with a trusted plumbing professional.
Saving money on the maintenance of your water pipes
Hard water affects your plumbing system by creating a buildup of limescale in the pipes, which can lead to decreased water pressure and result in clogs. Stresses on the pipework can also cause bursts and leaks, which often means costly repairs.
As well as risking expensive damage to your plumbing pipework and appliances, hard water can significantly raise the energy costs of heating water through your boiler, whilst forcing your boiler to work harder and therefore reducing its lifespan.
One of the best ways to prevent damage to your water pipes and save money is to first combat hard water by having a water softener installed in your home, which could save you a lot of money in the long term. Hard water affects your plumbing system by creating a buildup of limescale in the pipes, which can lead to decreased water pressure and result in clogs. Stresses on the pipework can also cause bursts and leaks, which often means costly repairs.
As well as risking expensive damage to your plumbing pipework and appliances, hard water can significantly raise the energy costs of heating water through your boiler, whilst forcing your boiler to work harder and therefore reducing its lifespan.
One of the best ways to prevent damage to your water pipes and save money is to first combat hard water by having a water softener installed in your home, which could save you a lot of money in the long term.
Is hard water making
your life hard?
your life hard?
Test the mineral content in your home’s water.
If it’s 100ppm or above, a water softener can help you avoid limescale buildup and improve skin and hair health.
* PPM stands for parts per million and indicates the concentration of dissolved limescale minerals like calcium and magnesium in water.
Try out a water softener
To prevent the accumulation of limescale build up in your water pipes as a result of hard water, implementing a soft water solution can help save you money on not only your plumbing system but also on your laundry bills, make your appliances last longer and enable you to have bigger bubble baths, shinier homes and softer skin.
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