Should
you putty, tape, or put an adhesive on a leaky pipe? Even though some
do-it-yourself fixes can temporarily solve the problem (at least
until the plumber arrives), take a look at why you shouldn't use a
DIY approach as a long-term solution.
Potential
Flooding
A
pipe burst and flooded your home. The first step is to turn the water
off as soon as possible. After the water slows and finally stops,
what should you do next? If you're tempted to duct tape the leak or
tie a towel around the damage, don't assume this DIY strategy will
solve the problem for good.
While
tape, a towel, or a similar solution can reduce the risk of
unnecessary water damage, it isn't won't hold after you turn the
water back on. The crack or damaged area will eventually allow water
to seep through as the pressure gets higher. This can cause
additional damage to the pipe or the rest of your home.
After
your turn the water off (either to the pipe or at your home's main
shut-off valve) and cover the damaged area, contact the plumber.
Chances are the plumber will need to replace the pipe or a section of
it — and not just patch it. If you're not sure why the plumber
can't simply repair the pipe, think about what will happen when the
water rushes back through it. Most patches won't hold for the
long-term.
A
burst or cracked pipe that continues to leak under a DIY patch can
cause future flooding. This can damage drywall, plaster, flooring,
furniture, or other belongings. Along with flooding, a poorly patched
pipe that's in need of a professional repair can also cause mold
growth. Read on for more information on pipes, do-it-yourself
patches, and mold.
Mold
Growth
The
piece of duct tape or slather of putty you use to patch your home's
leaky pipe may allow some water to seep through. Water on a solid
surface can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow in or
on. If the pipe continues to leak under your DIY repair job, over
time this can result in a potential health or home safety issue.
Mold
won't always affect everyone who comes in contact with it. But if
someone in your home (or yourself) has a mold allergy, a compromised
immune system, or an existing respiratory disease or chronic
condition, mold can cause problems. According to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can cause symptoms ranging
from a stuffy nose to severe allergic reactions.
Like
flooding, mold growth is a plumbing problem you can prevent. If you
stop the moisture, you eliminate the environment mold needs to thrive
in. But if you patch a leaky pipe with tape, putty, a towel, or
another DIY method, you could allow some of the water to come
through. To completely resolve the problem, hire a professional
plumber to inspect, evaluate, and replace the pipe.
Additional
Damage
Not
only can a DIY fix flood your home and cause mold growth, but it can
result in additional damage to the pipe. While some do-it-yourself
options, such as pipe sleeves and wraps, can temporarily solve a
hairline crack or pinhole type of damage, it's still possible for the
damage to spread.
The
added pressure that flowing water puts on the pipe can push on the
crack or hole. This can force the damage to spread and create a much
more serious plumbing problem. If you think the crack is small enough
to warrant a repair, and not a replacement, ask a professional to
evaluate and fix the issue.
Do
you have a leaky pipe? Contact Lewis
Plumbing for
more information.
