When a crack in the plumbing pipes and have a leak, the clock starts to run. Every minute lost means more water damage, destroyed properties and clutter. Even before calling a plumber, it’s worth your time to try to fix the leak. A temporary solution, if applied quickly, will save you a lot of headaches and expenses further down the line.
Instructions
- Gather the materials. You may have some or all of the necessary materials in your home, but if not, all of them can be purchased at hardware stores. If your leak in the middle of the night, you should also be able to obtain these materials at any large-box store for 24 hours.
- Use heavy duty scissors to cut two pieces of rubber material. Each piece should be long enough to cover the entire length of the crack, closer to two inches and wide enough to wrap all the way around the exhaust pipe.
- Wrap a piece of rubber around the leak section of the pipe. Position it so that half of the piece of rubber, not the seam, is covering the crack.
- Wrap the second piece of rubber around the first, making sure that the seam on the second piece of rubber is on the opposite side of the seam pipe of the first piece of rubber.
- Use the automotive hose clamps to secure the rubber patches firmly. Install a clamp on each side of the crack.
- Seal the exposed seam of the second piece of rubber with electrical tape.
Tips and warnings
- As soon as a leak patch, call a plumber. This is only a temporary solution; It will require welding, welding or replacement of pipes for a more permanent solution.
- If the crack is substantial and the water rushes through, close the main water valve of your property.