February 1, 2025
Leak Repair in Hanover, MD

A leaky pipe is often a serious problem that needs to be fixed quickly, preferably with the help of a plumbing professional. Even a minor leak is a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing and needs to be addressed. However, it’s possible to find a small pipe leak and complete a quick fix until a plumber arrives.

Finding Minor Leaks

First, let’s discuss whether you have a leak. Many pipe leaks are hidden, so you might not know they’re there until you notice certain signs, such as water damage or mold growth. A plumbing service has several methods for detecting leaks that a layperson might miss, but there are a few ways to see if you have a hidden leak.

One way to see if there’s a pipe leak in your home is to conduct a water meter test. Simply turn off all the faucets in your home and look at your meter. If it’s still running, you have a leak somewhere in your home. Granted, this won’t help you find exactly where your leak is, but finding out is still a good first step. You can also test the water pressure in your home to see if it’s decreased at all. Low water pressure can be caused by things other than a pipe leak, but if you notice low water pressure when you fail the water meter test, you can be reasonably sure that you have a leak somewhere in your home.

Once you’ve determined that you have a leak, your next step is to find it. The most common culprits of water leaks are appliances that connect to your water line, such as washing machines or water heaters and plumbing fixtures like sinks or toilets. Leaks coming from these are relatively easy to catch, so that’s where you should begin your search.

When you check an electric appliance for leaks, unplug it first to avoid a shock. Then, check for water on the floor around the appliance and see if any water is dripping from where it is connected to your main water line. Plumbing fixtures such as sinks can generally be checked in the same way. Check the shutoff valves on your sinks and toilets to see if they are dripping, and check the plumbing underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks to see if it’s leaking.

If you can’t find a leak in any of your plumbing fixtures but you still suspect that the leak is coming from your toilet, there is a way to see if this is the case. All you need to do is put a little bit of food coloring in the toilet tank overnight. If any of the food coloring shows up in the toilet bowl the next morning, the tank is leaking and needs to be fixed.

Looking for Other Signs of a Leak

If you have checked all of your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and exposed plumbing but you still can’t find a leak, you’ll need to look for evidence of hidden leaks. If the leak is bad enough, you might hear the sound of trickling or running water when you get close to it. The sound might even be heard in your walls if that’s where the leak is. You might also see dark water spots on your walls, floors, or ceiling. If these spots aren’t immediately apparent in any common areas, check your crawlspace, as it is far more likely to be affected by water damage from a pipe leak.

Fixing Minor Leaks

Minor pipe leaks can usually be fixed if caught before they get out of hand. However, many of these fixes are temporary, so you’ll still need to call a plumber to inspect your plumbing and find a more permanent pipe repair solution.

The easiest way to fix a pipe with a small leak is to patch the leak itself. This can be done with pipe clamps, epoxy putty, a pipe sleeve, or pipe tape. These are all available at most hardware stores. To use pipe clamps, fold the rubber inner sleeve of the clamp around the leaking section of the pipe, place the clamps over the sleeve, and tighten the clamps until no more water escapes the pipes. Pipe sleeves work pretty much the same way as pipe clamps, but they’re intended for use with PVC pipes and are really only useful to patch drain lines such as those under your kitchen or bathroom sinks.

If your damaged pipe is made of copper or galvanized steel, you may be able to patch the leak with some epoxy putty. To perform this task, first turn off the water to the leaking pipe. Prepare the putty according to the instructions on the package, and then apply it to the leak. Give the putty an hour to dry, and slowly turn the water back on to see if the leak has stopped. You can also wrap the damaged pipe in pipe tape to give it a little extra security.

Pipe tape can also be used on its own if you are patching a small pinhole leak. There are several types of tape that you can use, such as duct tape, Teflon tape, and electrical tape. The type that you need will depend on the pipe that you are patching up. Shut off the water supply to the pipe as you would if you were using epoxy putty and thoroughly dry the outside of the pipe. If the pipe is wet, the tape won’t form a tight seal around the leak. Wrap the tape tightly around the pipe and press it firmly against the pipe. Slowly turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Keep in mind that these are meant to be temporary solutions. They will stop minor leaks if used correctly, but you’ll need to call a plumber for a more permanent fix. This usually involves removing and replacing the damaged section of pipe.

Call Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing for Your Plumbing Needs

A leaky pipe is always a serious issue that can do a lot of damage to your home. If you suspect that you have a leak in your home, we at Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing will be happy to assist you. We’ve provided expert plumbing services to homes in Hanover, MD and the surrounding areas for years, and we always prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our customers over everything else. In addition to leak detection and plumbing repair, we also offer new plumbing installation, drain cleaning, and garbage disposal repair services, among many others. You can also call us for heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services.

Our team will be happy to assist you and find the best possible solution to your plumbing issues. For more information about our plumbing services or if you suspect that you have a leak in your home, don’t hesitate to call Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing in Hanover for help.

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