Plumbing - Tracking Down A Pipe Leak

Like many other things, plumbing pipes break when it is most inconvenient. Usually during extreme cold, when it's almost impossible to get help because that's the time when plumbers are busiest. Luckily, most of these leaks can be repaired by means of do-it-yourself methods, either temporarily or permanently.

While many leaks result from freezing and splitting of pipes, other leaks are caused by punctures and thin spots in pipes caused by corrosion. Leaks also frequently occur at joints of pipe and fittings. Splits resulting from freezing are the most difficult to handle and usually require replacement of the damaged section of pipe.

Obviously, prevention is the best treatment for frozen water pipes. Careful caulking of cracks near pipes running close to walls, insulating and use of heat tapes on freeze-endangered pipes will often prevent an emergency. When a leak of any kind does occur, the first step is equally obvious. Shut off the water supply to the pipe.

Every occupant of a home should know the location of the main water shutoff valve. In homes with basements, the main valve is usually near the water meter or pump, but in some homes it is under the kitchen sink or in some other unlikely place.

Most fixtures and some individual runs of pipe also have their own shutoff valves, so it is sometimes possible to halt a leak while keeping water service in part of the house.

Frozen pipes that develop leaks won't drip until they start thawing, of course, and can't be fixed until they are fully thawed and emptied of water. Thawing can be speeded by opening the faucet at the end of the frozen pipe and applying heat working backward from the faucet so steam and melting water have an outlet.

Use of a propane torch for thawing a pipe is not recommended, since the sudden generation of steam can cause additional damage to the pipe and there is danger of starting a fire. Rags soaked with hot water and wrapped around the pipe are a slow but safe method to use.

To repair a split copper pipe of the type found in most homes, the damaged section should be sawed out with a hacksaw, cutting the ends of the pipe as squarely and neatly as possible on both sides of the split.

A fast repair without soldering can be made by joining the cut ends of the copper pipe with a plastic coupling or short length of polybutylene or CPVC plastic pipe, both of which will handle cold or hot water. Some plastic fittings work by compression and require no adhesives or solvents, while other plastic pipe requires so-called solvent welding. Ask for directions and tips before buying.

Also measure the diameter of the existing pipe carefully as well as the length of gap to be filled, and if possible take the cut-out section of pipe along when shopping for repair fittings and replacement pipe.