Is a Leaking Pipe an Emergency?

If the leak is flooding an area and you can’t get the water to stop, then you have a serious emergency on your hands. On the other hand, if you can shut the water off for the night, or can make a temporary repair, then it might be a good idea to hold off on calling a plumber after hours.

If you have a serious plumbing leak in Hendersonville, Mills River and Asheville, NC, whether an emergency or otherwise, and need pipe leak repair, call out the reliable professionals at All About Plumbing & Septic. We provide a full range of repairs. Give us a call at 828-778-2425 to find out how we can help.

Can a clogged pipe cause a leak?

Clogs can be more than a nuisance that leaves water standing in your sink or shower. If you don’t clear a clog quickly, you can cause serious problems including leaks. The clog can cause the internal water pressure to increase, which may cause cracks or even bursts. If not taken care of, a clog can cause pipes to get backed up and overflow. This can cause water to seep through any cracks, caulking or pipe threads, and this seeping water can damage walls or even rot wood. Getting your clogs cleared as soon as possible may prevent pipe leak repair.

What causes a burst pipe?

One of the most common reasons pipes burst is because of water that freezes and expands in the pipe. That’s why it’s important to make sure to run a small amount of water through the pipes when there is a freeze. The running water will keep the pipes from freezing. You should also open cabinets under sinks to keep warm air flowing around exposed pipes. If you have an electric heating system, and want to make sure it keeps your pipes warm in the winter, you may need electric heat system repair.

Other potential problems that can cause pipes to burst include rusty pipes, as well as hard water. Hard water has high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium that build up in the pipes. This build-up can slow water flow and can even corrode the pipes. Clogs are also a potential cause of burst pipes because they cause the internal water pressure to increase and create cracks in the pipes.

Plumbing leak detection and repair

When it comes to pipe leak repair, it’s important to get the leak repaired as soon as possible. Unfortunately, leaks aren’t always easy to detect, especially if the pipes are underground or hidden behind walls or floors. These leaks may only become apparent if you discover moisture build up along your walls or floors, or if the pipe bursts and suddenly breaks through a wall. If you begin to discover unusual wet spots on your walls or floors or see signs of mold growth in these areas, you may have a leak. Professionals like those at All About Plumbing & Septic have tools like video cameras and thermal imaging equipment that can find these leaks. Never hesitate to call a professional if you suspect you have a leak. 

How do you fix a leaking pipe?

Depending on the location and severity of the leak, you may be able to make some temporary pipe leak repair before you get help from a professional. One question you may have is “Will plumbers putty fix a leak?” Plumbers putty or epoxy is just one of the tools you can use to make a temporary repair. Below are some pipe leak repair solutions you can make to temporarily stop a leak. Before any repair, turn off the water, drain the faucet, and dry the pipe.

• Plumber’s putty can be applied over the leak by shaping a length of ½-inch thick putty and wrapping it around the hole. Taper the edges of the putty to make a tight seal, and allow the putty to dry for about 10 minutes before turning the water on.
• Get a pipe clamp and rubber gasket, align the gasket over the length of the leak, fit the clamp over the gasket, and tighten the clamp until it stays in place. The clamp should be the same size as the leak.
• Buy a slip coupling made from the same material as the pipe. Using a pipe cutter or hacksaw, cut away the damaged pipe section, scrape the inside of the pipe with a deburring tool, and insert the coupling on the pipe ends. 

Pipe leak repair cost

A pipe leak repair can cost anywhere $175 to $450 for a leak where the pipe is visible, as under a kitchen sink. Main line leaks, which are normally underground can run anywhere between $300 to $4,000. A slab leak, which is a leak under your home’s foundation, will run anywhere between $500 and $4,000. Leak detection will cost anywhere between $125 to $400.