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How to Patch a Pipe Until Help Arrives

Posted on January 24, 2022 by Melbourne Plumber

The problem with a leaky or busted pipe is that the water damage caused can cost thousands of dollars to fix. It is important to get a handle on a leak as soon as humanly possible.

A leaky pipe should be fixed by a professional to make sure the problem is solved properly.  Make sure your plumber is licensed and you will have the piece of mind knowing the job is done right the first time.

In this article we put together the steps you can take to patch a pipe until professionals arrive.

1. Turn off water – This is an important step to be ale to assess the damage. You can shut off the valve nearest the leak or you can shut off the main water valve if need be.
2. Wipe the Pipe – Wiping the pipe and drying the area allows you to see what damage has been done and how bad the leak is. Removing water residue also helps in preparation for our next phases.
3. Tighten Joints – You can take a wrench and tighten the joints of the pipes. It is not unheard of for a pipe joint to come loose and need tightening. This may save you a lot of headache.
4. Prep the Pipe – If it looks like a patch will be needed, you must make sure the pipe is dry. You can also sand down any rough areas which would interfere with the patch job.
5. Apply the Patch – Epoxy putty can be used to create a temporary seal until a professional can replace your pipe. Its easy to apply this putty. Break off a small piece and rub it in your hands then apply directly to the crack or leak. Apply as tightly as you can and allow to set and dry.

It is important to remember that this is just a patch job and the pipe should not be considered “fixed”. Call your local plumber to have a professional look at the problem.