Leaking pipe in your house? Read our handy reference on sealing a pipe and find out how to stop leaks quickly using common adhesives.
With a little basic information, sealing a pipe is no big deal. Let us help you choose the right materials and apply them correctly to stop leaks fast.
While plumbing systems constructed of quality materials generally provide many years of trouble-free service, the potential always exists for a leak to develop.
Most minor leaks can be handled by a person with basic hands-on skills and a little knowledge. That is the purpose of this article. We’ll help you decide what method is best for making a repair, and mention an important step that may prevent a leak from developing.
Epoxy is an excellent choice of repair for many types of pipe because it sets into a very hard, durable adhesive. It is known for its strong bond and its ability to span gaps, fill holes, and even resurface materials that have degraded.
The point to keep in mind is that epoxy has a limited working time once the two components are mixed. You should do your preparatory work ahead of time and be ready to use the epoxy immediately after mixing it.
You will find epoxy formulas made specifically for metals, masonry, or marine applications, for example, so choose the one that will work best with the type of pipe you are going to patch.
Here are the steps to seal a pipe with epoxy:
Here are a few recommendations to help you choose an epoxy:
Epoxy Putty is a great way to make quick repairs. Its clay-like consistency makes shaping it a breeze. Epoxy Putty bonds to metal, glass, ceramic, concrete, and most plastics within minutes. Some varieties are drinking-water safe and can be painted in about an hour.
For larger or more complex repairs, you may prefer LePage Epoxy Steel. The dispenser measures out equal parts of the components for easy mixing, and this formula has a 5- to 10-minute working time. Epoxy Steel is perfect for filling and rebuilding metal and concrete surfaces.
Epoxy is a two-part adhesive consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed, the epoxy will begin to harden into an extremely tough plastic-like material. Cured epoxy can be sanded, drilled, or machined as needed.
Silicone tape is a quick solution for when you must fix a pipe leak. It is a non-adhesive tape that can be wrapped around the leaking pipe in seconds. However, it is not meant as a permanent solution. It will get you through until a permanent fix is in place. (Note that sealing tape isn’t designed for pressured supply lines, but it will work on drain pipes or very low-pressure lines.)
Here’s the procedure:
This will stop the leak until you are ready to do the permanent repair with glue.
For plastic pipes, try LePage Extreme Gel. It will bond firmly to metal, plastics, rubber, ceramic materials, and more, and it is viscous enough to fill gaps. Extreme Glue features excellent bond strength and flexibility to resist vibration. It is also highly water and temperature resistant.
If you have PEX plumbing lines, purchase a PEX repair kit as most adhesives will not stick to this specialty material.
Thread sealant is an adhesive applied to the threads of nuts, bolts, and threaded pipes before assembly, and it prevents loosening and leaks.
