Don’t Let Your Home Turn into an Aquarium

Whenever you notice water on the floor, at first you would think that you must’ve sprayed water everywhere. But that only works if it’s all drops of water on the floor, it’s entirely different if it’s a small puddle that’s slowly growing over time. If the water on your floor is indeed a puddle, then a pipe somewhere in your house is loose and leaking.

Depending on the severity of it, you can either fix it yourself or call a professional to fix it for you. In this blog post, we’ll explain to you a step-by-step process on how to fix a leaking pipe yourself. Read on if you don’t want your home turned into an aquarium.

• Turn Off the Water Supply

No maintenance can ever be performed while something is running. Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve, typically found where the water line enters your home. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops to shut off the water supply. If you can’t find the main shutoff valve or can’t turn it off, turn off the water supply to the leaking fixture or area using the fixture’s shutoff valve.

• Locate the Source of the Leak

Trying to find what’s causing a leak can be like playing a detective that’s finding the murder weapon. Examine the area around the leak to determine the source of the problem. Look for wet spots or water stains on the ceiling, walls, or floors. If you’re unable to find the source of the leak, try turning on the water supply and looking for the water to start dripping or running.

• Determine the Severity of the Leak

Not every minor issue needs to be fixed with a big hammer. Minor leaks, such as a dripping faucet or a small pipe leak, may be easy to fix yourself. However, major leaks or those that require cutting and replacing pipes will require professional assistance. If you’re unsure of the severity of the leak, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

• Repair the Leak

There are many different repair methods you could do for fixing a leak. The repair method you choose will depend on the severity and location of the leak. For minor leaks, such as a dripping faucet, you may only need to replace the washer or tighten a connection. If the leak is more severe, such as a burst pipe, you may need to replace a section of the pipe or install a new valve. Follow the instructions for the specific repair method you’re using if you haven’t decided yet.

• Test the Repair

Every repair needs some verification that it’s legitimately fixed. After completing the repair, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. Inspect the area around the repair for any signs of water. If there are no leaks, good job, the repair is successful. But if there is still water leaking, turn off the water supply and try to identify the source of the leak. Repeat this repair process until the leak is fixed.

• Clean Up the Area

Repairing a leak may fix a broken pipe, but it can leave a huge mess in the process. If there was any water damage, clean up the area thoroughly. Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to remove any standing water. Use a fan or dehumidifier to dry out the area and prevent mold growth. Disinfect the area with a bleach solution to kill any bacteria or mold spores. Your area shouldn’t have any wet spots after you’re done fixing pipes.

• Take Preventative Measures

If you think repairing a water leak from your pipes is exhausting, make sure that they don’t leak again. To prevent future leaks, consider taking preventive measures such as regular inspections of your plumbing system, installing water alarms, insulating pipes in cold weather, and replacing old pipes or valves. Regular maintenance on your water pipes can help identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs if ignored.

Conclusion

Now that you know the step-by-step process, let’s hope you can pull this off the right way and not make things any worse by any mistakes you might make. If you still feel that you’re not prepared enough for fixing pipes yourself, that’s okay, just call the plumbers. If you don’t know where to call one, head over to Sirwiss.ae and book a plumber for your pipes today.