How Does a Pipe Spring a Leak?

How does a pipe spring a leak?

All of a sudden, you hear it--drip, drip, drip! You have a leaky pipe to fix. There are several causes of leaky pipes and some things you can do before you call the plumber. Find out what kind of leak you have, and follow the steps below.

Leaking and running slow

This kind of leak usually happens in a clogged sink drain, and the leak is between the pipe and one of its joint-connectors. The sink drain runs very slow or not at all. Using a plumbing snake, you may be able to clear out the clog. If the leak continues, use a wrench to separate the pipe and joint connecter. Wrap the pipe in a layer of teflon joint tape and put it back together; for a small leak that's all that's needed.

If you can't unstick the clog with a snake, use your wrench to remove the nut at the bottom of the s-curve in the pipe. You may be able to reach the clog that way. If so, remove, add teflon tape to the nut and put it back on.

If that doesn't work, you may need to call a plumber. Do not try to unstick the clog with caustic drain-cleaner because that's a big cause of leaky pipes!

Old pipe, dripping

Several things may have happened, especially if that pipe might be older than you are. A big cause is frequent use of caustic drain cleaner. Eventually, the chemicals intended to dissolve the gunk in the pipe dissolve some of the pipe surface, too. That can produce a leak at the joint or a longer leak running some distance along the pipe.

Old or new pipe dripping close to an outside wall

Again you're most likely looking at replacement. In areas where winters are cold, pipes close to outside walls can freeze. Usually it's the pipe you use for the garden hose (next year you'll remember to turn the water supply to that faucet off or wrap the faucet in rags and plastic), but it can be pipes in a kitchen or bathroom wall, usually in a poorly-insulated older house. When pipes freeze, the water in them expands, swelling against the metal of the pipe until it cracks. Very
small leaks can be taped for a while, but you're going to need a new pipe. Make it a practice on very cold nights to keep just a drip coming out of the faucet closest to your endangered pipe; that's usually enough to keep it from freezing.

Brand new pipe dripping

Either you need a brand new pipe or it's time to sign up for that home repair course at the high school. Sometimes you can clear up the whole thing with a little joint-tape. Remember, too, even if it's aggravating, you're learning something new that will make the next job easier. You're getting to be an expert.

Dripping's stopped? Good for you!