Have you ever found yourself in a sticky plumbing situation outside of the business hours of your plumber?
You may reach for plumbing solutions like a pipe clamp or repair tape that remedy the situation temporarily, then mark it fixed and go about your way.
Unfortunately, some of these solutions don’t last as long as you might think and will fail, leaving you with the same issue you started with. At Mr. Plumber, we’re here to answer all of your questions about emergency repair.
We’ve created this post to teach you which plumbing solutions you can use in a bind, how long they’ll last and when to call your favorite plumber for help. Read below to learn more!
Pipe Leaks
Leaks are bound to happen with pipes. Aging, pressure and vibrations can all cause pipes to leak. In some cases, these leaks can cause devastating water damage in your San Antonio home.
The last thing you want is a restoration bill on your hands, but what can you do if you can’t call the plumber when you need them?
What Can I Use?
There are some commonly used options for repairing leaks in your pipes, but which ones are safer, and which will leave you wishing you hadn’t used them at all?
Epoxy is an adhesive putty used to seal leaks. It works by hardening against the surface of the pipe, providing a temporary fix for your leaky troubles. But beware, epoxy may not last long and can leave you with the same issue you started with or worse.
Another leaky pipe solution is to use a thread pipe sealant as a quick and cost-effective option instead of having to replace whole sections of your pipes. Make sure to do a little research before purchasing your thread pipe sealant.
Pipe Burst
A pipe bursting in your home is the last thing you want. Pipes bursting can flood your home and cause disaster before you know it.
Some common signs that a pipe has burst in your home are:
- Puddles when you turn on your water
- Water pressure problems
- Large water stains on walls
- Discolored water
- Water sounds
So what tools do you need on hand for this obnoxious problem?
What Can I Use?
Pipes bursting can have any number of causes like corrosion, freezing and clogs.
First of all, if a pipe bursts in your home, immediately turn off your main water supply. Next, drain your faucets to remove any water left in your system.
One useful tool that can be used to temporarily fix a burst pipe is a rubber sleeve. These sleeves can be slid over the affected pipe and will make it so you can use your water supply for a short time – emphasis on short!
If you don’t have a rubber sleeve, some homeowners find it useful to grab a piece of wood, some rubber and a clamp and affix it to the area. You can first place the rubber over the pipe, then lay the piece of wood and clamp it together for another temporary fix.
Both of these options mean you will have to call a plumber as soon as possible to come and replace your pipe.
A New Water Line
So you want to run a new water line for a smaller appliance, but you don’t want to pay the big bucks. What can you do?
What Can I Use?
If someone suggests a saddle valve to you for adding an additional water line, kindly decline. Saddle valves are devices that are sometimes used to run a water line from an existing pipe and are often used for small appliances like ice makers and water dispensers. Sounds great right? Not exactly.
The issue with saddle valves is that they are unreliable, very prone to leaking and don’t actually meet standard plumbing home codes.
Instead of the saddle valve, an emergency plumber might suggest a ball valve to you. Ball valves, also called shut-off valves, are effective at forming a tight seal and can open and close automatically, making them a more durable and dependable option for smaller waterline usage.
If you’re a bit iffy on the ball valve and would rather leave it up to a professional technician, call Mr. Plumber and we will be happy to help you!
What if I Don’t Have Any Emergency Plumbing Tools At Home?
If you don’t have any emergency tools on hand or can’t get to a home improvement store for any reason, have no fear!
Turn off the main water supply to your home and wait until a professional can come out and take a look.
Call Mr. Plumber for Plumbing Repair Services!
Although temporary emergency plumbing repairs are necessary and can be helpful short-term, they can’t last forever. When it’s time for a permanent solution you can trust, call Mr. Plumber. We’ve proudly served the San Antonio area for years and we’d be happy to get your plumbing working good as new again.
Call us today to schedule!
