Cut Off the Water

This is obvious, but it can be easy to forget during a panic. If you have a leaking or burst pipe, the first thing you should do is cut off the water by tightening the water shut-off valve near the affected piping. If you do not know where that is, then go ahead and turn off the whole building’s water by turning the main shut-off valve. With the water turned off, you should run the faucet nearest to the leaking pipe to drain the pipe of any remaining water.

This is usually enough to give you a peace of mind until the plumber arrives, but if you want to do more, then continue reading.

Clean the Area

Place a bucket under the leaking pipe if it is still dripping. Then, clean up any water and wetness in the area. Letting this water sit will allow it to sneak into cracks and crevices. That water can continue doing damage without you knowing it. Prevent extensive water damage by mopping and cleaning up the mess as soon as possible.

Inspect the Leaking Area

Now that the water is turned off, you can comfortably inspect the affected pipe for damage. Wipe the pipe dry and closely examine it. Is the pipe damaged or is there just some looseness in the joints? If you do not notice any damage, then simply tightening nearby joints might be enough to relieve your problem. If there are worn washers and other components, however, tightening might not help much.

Patch the Pipe

If the pipe is in fact damaged, then you will want to patch it up until the nearby plumber arrives. Of course, this is not a permanent solution, but it will slow down the leak until the plumber comes with a more long-term solution.

Begin by thoroughly drying the pipe and using sandpaper or a metal file to smoothen the surface. With the damaged pipe dry and smooth, you can grab your epoxy putty or patch and apply it onto the damaged area. If you don’t have anything, then reach for the duct tape. Wrap several layers around the pipe as tightly as you can.

Request an Emergency Leak Repair Today

Leaks should not be left for another day. The wasted water is one thing, but the water damage and plumbing damage are another. If you need emergency leak repair, then grab your phone and call Rooter Hero Plumbing. Our live representatives and dedicated plumbers are ready when you are.