As a house owner, it is very disheartening and painful to know that there is a pipe leak. The minute you realize a leak, it automatically comes to your mind that it will be a hell of a task! This task will drain all of your energy and create a big hole in your pocket and be a very time-consuming process. You will have to contact many people, letting them know about the basic system of the house, etc. But don’t worry; we got you covered!
In this article, we will discuss how you can fix a leaking sink pipe and that too in quick yet straightforward steps, which you can do by yourself. We will let you know how every sink component works and how you can quickly fix it.
Before jumping into the details, here is a quick guide. We are going to divide this article into specific sections, and to prevent you from all the hassle; we’re going to list them here:
- How to fix a leaking pipe without replacing it?
- How to fix a Leaky pipe with plumber tape?
- How to fix a Leaky pipe with self-fusing silicone tape?
- How to fix a Leaky pipe with epoxy putty?
- How to fix a Leaky pipe with a Patch and Clamp?
What Should You Know Before Taking the Task on Your Shoulder?
An important step is knowing the pipe’s basic details to fix the leaky pipe without professional help. Whenever a plumber comes and fixes a pipe, it seems way too easy, and there is always a thought in our mind. “Why do we hire professional help when this task is straightforward? right”.
These thoughts come, and everybody’s mind, but only a professional knows how many years they have given to learn the skill. Now fixing a leaking pipe from anywhere in the main plumbing system is challenging, and you will require professional help. Still, we recommend hiring a professional service if you need help with your plumbing system only and not with the sink.
Although you are fixing a Leaking pipe, it is imperative to know certain parts of the pipe and the sink so that you don’t commit any mistakes. The first step is to locate the problem. If you know the area or the particular point where a related issue is, you can easily find a practical solution.
Note: If you need clarification about the location, grab a towel, a container, and a flashlight. Now make sure that your sink is empty and has nothing in it. Turn off the water supply, and place the container under the faucet where you believe the leakage is. Now turn on the tap, and if you see water in the container, congratulations, you have located the problem. Again, turn off the water supply, and leave the sink to drain correctly. With the help of a flashlight from the above sink opening, carefully examine the type of leak. The flashlight will help you illuminate the pipe’s dark area, thus providing better vision. Once you have determined your pipe’s issue, you can choose any option that suits your problem.
The second step would be to ensure that your pipe is completely drained and has no water. So give it time, let it dry, and avoid using the sink. Make sure the tap is tightly closed whenever you start the fixing process. Now, it’s time to move to our main topic!
5 Simple Steps To Fix A Leaking Sink Pipe
Our request to you is that you must complete that task in one go and not postpone it.
As we have discussed in the introduction section, there are multiple ways by which you can quickly fix a leaky pipe. In this section, we will discuss them in detail.
1. How to Fix a Leaking Pipe Without Replacing it?
As house owners, we want every component to run flawlessly and not require any replacement or repair often. The option of replacing while also solving the issue only works for a person if your house is newly built and the pipes are not too old.
To fix the pipe without replacing it, properly checking for any break or crack can also be the reason for a leakage, which is very common in the kitchen and the bathroom sink. If there is no crack or break, properly check the loose coupling nut near the leaking pipe.
We recommend changing the pipe if there are cracks or broken edges, as the pipe is no longer in use. But if there is a problem with the coupling net, we recommend using plumbing tools to tighten the coupling nut.
The essential plumbing tools are great so ensure that you always have 2 to 3 tools in your house. They can always prevent you from going through a lengthy procedure of hiring a professional to help and investing a lot of money to do a straightforward task like this.
2. How to Fix a Leaky Pipe with Plumber Tape?
We all know how time-consuming it is to go to the market and buy a pipe according to the dimensions of your lines and how irritating it is when it doesn’t fit when you come back home.
So good news is that you can quickly fix the pipe without replacing it! Want to know how then go through the step-by-step procedure below:
- First, unscrew the nut (the coupling nut) joining the P trap with the pipe.
- Carefully lose this nut and move the p-trap away from their pipe.
- Now there will be some visible threads around the pipe, so ensure that you carefully wrap the plumber tape around them that is appropriate to the length of the threads.
- When you are done with all the above tasks, carefully put the p-trap into its exact position with the pipe. Make sure you are not over-tightening it.
- Reconnect the coupling not and the pipe, and fix it tightly.
- To check if this process works or not, run the water. If there is no leakage, we are done with the task.
Note: This step can only sometimes be successful. If it is not, it not only means you have not followed the above procedure carefully but also because your pipe threads are no longer practical or durable. They have lost their functioning capability. We recommend you change the pipe because the pipes are no longer usable and might be in your house for a very long time.
3. How to Fix a Leaky Pipe With Self-Fusing Silicone Tape?
Silicon tape is one of the most commonly used options among house owners. The reason is that it does not require any professional tool ( which most people don’t have in their house) and does not require hard work like checking the dimensions to check if the nut is tightly fixed or not.
Silicone tape can be easily found in regular shops or nearby shopping malls, but this is a temporary fix. You may create a seamless waterproof layer by fixing it properly around the pipe. Still, when continuous pressure passes through the pipe, it will again cause leakage.
If you have low-pressure lines, it may be effective in such a situation. Still, if the pressure of your water in your area is very high, then this silicone tape will be significantly less efficient.
Multiple layers of silicone tape can help you for specific weeks. Still, eventually, you will have to change the pipe, use the above-discussed tricks, or ask for professional help.
Note: One thing that you need to keep in mind is that your silicone tape is not going to stick to the pipe directly, but it can stick to itself. That is why you must apply various silicon tape layers to prevent leakage.
Due to its efficiency in not getting attached to Silicon tape, it becomes easy to remove silicone tape. Thereby, you find a proper and permanent solution to your problem.
4. How to Fix a Leaky Pipe With Epoxy Putty?
Epoxy putty can sometimes be termed pipe putty. It is also a temporary solution to your problem. You can use this if you don’t have any free time from your busy schedule. This can also be a great option if the pipe has a hole or a crack. To use the chance, follow the below-listed steps:
- Thoroughly drain the line.
- Ensure no water leaks in the area.
- Use cotton or tissue paper to clean, and use your hands to apply the putty in the area.
- Leave it some time to dry properly.
- Ensure you follow the process carefully because the putty will not stick to the pipe if wet.
- When you believe it is scorched, clear the epoxy putty carefully and cover all the surfaces around the leakage area again.
- It would help if you used the putty until and unless you believe it is enough application and will be enough to prevent the leakage problem.
- When you finish this, leave the pipe until the putty is dry.
- To check whether this is working, you can turn on the water flow.
5. How to Fix a Leaky Pipe With a Patch and Clamp?
The new rubber patch is one of the most commonly used options for preventing a Leaky pipe. However, it is also a temporary repair. This option is unique compared to the other four options discussed above because this can be used when the rupture is significant.
To use this option, make sure that you follow every step carefully:
- Firstly, clean the pipe carefully around the leakage.
- Using a metal file, smoothen the sharp edges of the line because they can cut your patch.
- Now apply the patch very carefully and the repair clamp.
- Ensure that the clamp overlaps the damaged section, as this will ensure double prevention from leakage.
- Ensure that the clump is tightly sealed and there is no chance of leakage.
- After some time, turn on the water supply to check for leaks.
We hope you have chosen the best solution for your leakage. Make sure you are not making errors. If you need clarification, read the steps correctly. You can also take the help of DIY YouTube by searching for the most suitable option from the “HOW TO” list.
Also Read:- 5 Best Under Sink Water Filter System Reviews – [2022 Report]
How Do You Check if There is no Leakage on Sink Pipe?
We have already discussed the multiple options you can use to prevent leakage and Seal the pipe. But now the real question is how you will check there is no leakage.
You can easily see the leakage if you have a fixed nut or use silicone tape around the pipe, but what should you do in the case of epoxy putty or a rubber batch?
The widespread answer to this question is to turn on the water and see if there is any leakage. In the case of epoxy putty, you will not see any kind of liquid initially, but after some time or continuous use of the sink.
Throughout the day, it can give you some signs that the epoxy putty is not the solution to your problem. After some days, you will find out that there is a presence of moisture around the epoxy putty or in the rubber patch as well.
If you see this, that means you have not followed the procedure carefully and have made some errors. To ensure your pipe is not leaking again, repeat the process with a different option now.
A Pro Tip
The leakage from the pipe can be due to several factors. If the pipe has been used for many years, it can efficiently rupture and result in a leak. We recommend changing the pipe instead of using a temporary solution because the quick solution will only be effective temporarily. Eventually, you will have to replace the pipe.
On the other hand, if you believe the pipe is not too old, then temporary solutions may work. To enhance its efficiency, you should install the new strainer at the top of your sink as well.
To understand this much better, you need to know that the rupturing or leakage issue comes in a pipe only when the dust or any food particle continuously enters or passes through the pipe.
Sometimes these food particles or waste can get stuck in the pipe resulting in leakage or breakage. So ensure that whenever you install a pipe, you should always place a new filter as your sink’s primary protector. It will stop the food or waste passage, and you can easily discard the waste in waste by removing the strainer. It is also one of the best ways to enhance the durability of your pipe.
Also Read:- Clearly Filtered Under Sink Water Filter Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it essential to fix the leakage issue?
It is essential to fix the leakage issue as soon as possible because it wastes a lot of water and will slowly degrade the pipe material nearby the leakage area. If you want to avoid investing in a new pipe, fixing the leakage issue as soon as possible is better.
Where can I find the Silicon tape or epoxy putty?
Silicon tap and epoxy putty are the most common solutions to leakage issues, so you can easily find them near your location. You can easily buy from a mall or nearby shop or order online. But ensure that whatever product you are investing in is of excellent quality.
Should I opt for the above mentioned solution even if my pipe is ten years old?
No, you should not use the above-mentioned solution if your pipe is too old. We recommend you change the pipe because it has already lost its durability, so whatever option you choose won’t be a long-lasting solution.
Conclusion
A leaky pipe is one of the most common problems every household owner faces in their lifetime. In this article, we have provided you with some temporary and long-lasting solutions.
We hope you will analyze your problem ( like the location of the leakage, the age of the pipe, etc.) before concluding and considering the best solution ( mentioned in the article) for your problem.
We hope the article has helped you gain knowledge and use it wisely! Ultimately, we recommend you change the pipe if it has gone too old, as the temporary solution would not work.
Furthermore, check the replacement policy if it’s new and creates problems. If you have it, then take advantage of the policy. You can also opt for a temporary solution, but ensure you do everything correctly to enhance efficiency.