One of the most common causes of emergency calls to plumbers are leaks and leaks in faucets and pipes. Hopefully, you can deal with a simple leak that can be resolved with a couple of adjustments or replacing a part, but the truth is that many leaks go unnoticed until they cause major damage. Next, we are going to talk about the correct procedure to detect and repair leaks, as well as leaks in faucets and pipes, as well as the best way to prevent these problems.
1. Identifying the leak
The first step will always be the inspection. Check the pipes, faucets and valves very well. Look for any signs of dripping or moisture. Sometimes it is not as obvious as it seems, because the water can drain and appear to come from one point when in reality the leak is higher up, for example. Wiping the area with a dry cloth can help you identify where the leak is coming from.
Listen
Sometimes leaks can be detected by the sound of falling water, even if they are not visible to the naked eye.
Use vegetable dyes
To detect leaks in toilets, you can use a few drops of dye in the water tank. If the colon appears in the bowl, without having flushed the toilet, you will be able to detect that there is a leak.
Check the walls and follow the path
When it comes to leaks in walls, it is essential to follow the path of the pipe that runs through that wall. In the case of apartments, it may happen that the leak is in neighboring apartments.
If the leak is underground and goes outside, you may find the soil wet and soft, even when it hasn’t rained.
2. Repairing the leak
Check the pipe joints
The most fragile points of the pipes are usually the joints and connections. If the leak is there, try to tighten it a little with the wrench but don’t force the thread too much, because it can be worse. It’s worth taking the piece loose, cleaning it, and replacing the rubber seals and/or tape to put it back on.
Consider a quick, temporary repair to save time
If the breakdown is much more serious than you initially considered, you can apply a quick and temporary repair that allows you to go out to look for materials or plan a more prepared visit the next day. This will allow the inhabitants of the home to continue having water normally until the final repair is made. You can use epoxy putty and Teflon tape, self-fusing silicone tape, or a pipe patch. The technique will depend on the material of the pipes and the location of the leak.
Read Other: Tips for Proper Installation and Maintenance of Plastic Pipes in Your Home
Use a repair sleeve
Use a repair sleeve and secure it with the included screws. This can work well for PVC pipe and even copper pipe but they are not usually a permanent solution.
Replace the damaged part
Levees or patches are not always efficient on PVC or PEX pipes, so it is possible to repair by replacing broken parts with new sections. Don’t forget to take note of the joints, materials and adhesives you need.
3. For extreme cases: Replace with quality pipe
If a home’s plumbing system is more than 30 years old, it is time to consider full or partial replacement. This is because materials used in the past may be damaged and better materials and technologies are available today. Metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion , so it is a matter of time before there is a complete collapse of the system. This can translate into leaks and problems that would involve extensive property damage.
Install Tuboplus, the PP-R pipe with which you will have zero leaks
If you are going to replace a pipe or are working on a new project, it is better to invest in modern materials that offer greater durability and resistance such as Tuboplus , the hydraulic conduction line from Olympic Home Remodeling & Restoration. Made with Random Copolymer Polypropylene (PP-R), it offers great impact resistance, transports hot or cold water and thanks to its thermofusion union, which creates bonds at a molecular level without glue, it withstands high pressures and is leak-proof. There is a Tuboplus line perfect for every need.
Tuboplus Hydraulic
It is a comprehensive system for any type of hydraulic connection that has a wide variety of diameters in tubes and connections that even allow hybrid installations, for those who wish to make a partial replacement of their hydraulic systems.
Tuboplus Firefighting
is a line of pipes and accessories for firefighting networks. It differs because it is made of multi-layer polypropylene: an external one resistant to UV rays, another intermediate layer of PPR CT RP with anti-expansion microfibers, which provides high mechanical resistance to pressure without compromising its diameter, and an internal layer with antifouling additives. and antimicrobial. This type of pipe contains fireproof additives, which are chemical substances that are adhered to create a layer of protection, they act as flame retardants.
Tuboplus For air Conditioning
made with technology that combines PP-R with fiberglass. This optimizes the system for transporting chilled water, making it perfect for HVAC systems.
High Pressure Tubeplus
It is a three-layer tube built with PPR-CT and fiberglass, so it has a very low linear expansion coefficient, which makes it much more resistant to pressure and temperature without affecting its thickness.
As a professional you have the possibility of offering the best option to all clients who come with a problem. It is important to guide them to solutions that provide better benefit in the short and long term, which includes working with the best materials. Your experience combined with the efficiency and quality of Olympic Home Remodeling & Restoration will be the best option.
