How to Tighten a Plumbing Leak

Pipe wrenches grip round objects, such as pipes.

A simple twist sometimes repairs a leaky plumbing joint. However, tightening joints doesn't guarantee a fix, and excessive tightening often exacerbates problems or completely breaks the pipe. The types of joints that require tightening are usually threaded connections and occasionally compression connections. Threaded connections consist of pipes and fittings with matching internal and external grooves called threads, and compression connections consist of a threaded body and matching nut that mate and compress against a pipe's wall. The water-supply valves beneath many sinks connect to supply lines with compression. Both threaded and compression connections require only manual hand tools for tightening.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe wrenches
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Rag

Instructions

Threaded Connections

1. Attach one pipe wrench to the plumbing pipe and a second pipe wrench to the threaded fitting. If the fitting has a hexagonal exterior, like a nut, attach an adjustable wrench to the fitting.

2. Grasp the pipe wrench firmly and tense your muscles to secure the wrench in position; you must use the wrench to hold the pipe in place while you tighten the fitting. Twist the wrench that is connected to the fitting clockwise. As you twist the fitting clockwise, use the pipe wrench to stabilize the pipe.

3. Twist the fitting until the leak stops or until the resistance to turning suggests that the pipe is near its breaking point. If you must apply excessive force, the pipe is probably near its breaking point. If the leak persists after tightening, you probably will need to remove and replace fittings or pipes.

Compression Fittings

1. Grip the body of the compression fitting with your hand, a pipe wrench or pliers. If you choose to grip the fitting's body with a pipe wrench or pliers, wrap a rag around the fitting to protect it from the serrated gripping teeth of the wrench or pliers.

2. Open the mouth of the adjustable wrench. Slip the wrench over the compression fitting's compression nut and tighten the wrench's opening around the nut.

3. Grasp the fitting's body or the tool attached to the body and tense your muscles to stabilize the fitting. While stabilizing the fitting's body, twist the adjustable wrench clockwise to tighten the compression nut. Twist the nut until the leak stops or until you suspect that the fitting is near its breaking point. If the leak persists, you must replace the fitting.

Tips & Warnings

• Many threaded joints require a coating of pipe thread sealant, also called pipe dope or thread seal tape. If you must remove a threaded fitting, attempt to fix the leak by applying a new coating of sealant before completely replacing the parts.

• Avoid excessive tightening; removing and replacing fittings is easier than removing and replacing pipe that you've damaged with excessive force.

References

• Texas A&M University: Get to Know Your Plumbing Pipes and Tools
• Copper Development Association: Copper Tube Handbook
• Denver Water: Repair a Leaky Faucet