Repairs For a Leak

In winter, there is always a chance that the water that is in your pipework will freeze. Now that on its own you might think is no big deal, however, if the pipe splits or pops a joint and then leaks it is another matter. Ice expands. Hammersmith Plumbers are qualified plumbers that carry out such tasks.Pipes that are made from copper rather than lead are the more likely to suffer a split, as lead will stretch itself to allow for any expansion and will take a few times to actually fail. If you have lead pipes fitted that fail, arrange to replace the old lead with copper pipework as soon as you have contained any leak. Another reason for leaks in plumbing is a mechanical failure because of material deterioration or a joint has failed and is no longer completely waterproof. Ways To Repair The Leak:Any repair that is done should really be permanent where possible. But for now, however, you may have to live with a temporary repair. 1). Try and drain the pipe initially, unless it has frozen, in which case make the repair before it thaws out. Binding up a leaking pipe is a good option for a temporary repair. 2). Do this by using a piece of rubber hose to cover the leak, cut a slit and slip it over the pipe. With the hose on, use a couple of jubilee clips to tighten and compress.3). Another alternative is to use self-amalgamating tape that is made for binding damaged pipes. 4). Epoxy putty can be used and is supplied in two parts which begin to harden as soon as they are mixed together, giving about 30 minutes to set. First clean a 25-50mm piece of pipe either side of the leak, using wire wool. Mix the putty and press it into the hole or around a joint, building it to a thickness of 3-6mm. It will cure to full strength within a day, so you can run low-pressure water straight away if you wrap the putty with self-adhesive tape. A Hammersmith Plumber carries all necessary tools for plumbing work.