How to Fix a Leaking Pipe Joint

Posted on October 20, 2022 by oozle

A leaky pipe is the last thing you want in your home. Leaking water can do damage to your home’s floor and mold can grow. With winter just around the corner, below-freezing temperatures can cause water to freeze and your pipe to leak or burst. Frozen pipes may not be as much of an issue in Las Vegas, but toxic mold definitely can be a problem, so we highly recommend not procrastinating the day you decide to fix your leaking pipe joint. 

We have a few tips to help you stay on top of your home’s maintenance to avoid any costly repairs or further issues in the future. Read our guide to learn how to make some temporary repairs while you wait for your local plumber to arrive. 

How to Know You Have a Leaking Pipe Joint

Believe it or not, a leaky pipe can become unnoticed by many Nevada homeowners. The best way to avoid wasting any more water, time, or money is to know what to look for when you have a leaking pipe joint in your home or business. Here are a few ways to determine whether or not your pipes are leaking: 

Stained or Damaged Home Surfaces

Rust-colored or yellowish stains that suddenly appear on your floors, walls, or ceilings could be an obvious indicator that your pipes are leaking. When a leaking pipe goes unattended, this can cause serious damages to your home, especially if the leak is coming from your ceiling. 

Water Bills Are Higher Than Usual

When you have a higher water bill, you usually have a clear understanding of why that is. It’s expected to have higher bills during those hotter summer months, but if you are noticing a significant increase with no clear explanation, then it’s very possible that you have a leaking pipe. Don’t wait to resolve the issue, until your bill becomes even higher. The professionals at ProServ Las Vegas recommend comparing each month’s water bills and looking out for any differences you notice.

Mold Growth

Mold growth is normal in certain areas of the home, like the bathroom above the shower, but if you start to see larger patches of mold than usual, this could mean that you have a leaking pipe. Mold in your kitchen, bedroom, or any other living space is not as common. Water spots from leaks are great opportunities for mold growth and want to be taken care of right away before the home becomes a toxic environment for you and your family’s health. Any sign of a musty smell or discolored home surfaces could mean that you have mold growing in your home.

How to Prevent Leaking Pipes

The best way to prevent a leaky pipe joint is by connecting the water supply and waste line fittings. A leaky pipe could also mean that you might have some loose parts that need to be tightened. If nothing seems to be doing the trick and you already notice leaking water, there are a few ways to temporarily resolve the issue before having to replace your pipes or call in a professional. Remember, before attempting any type of repairs on your own, be sure to turn off the water supply to prevent any more leaks while attempting to resolve the issue. Here are a few solutions to temporarily fix your leaky pipe quickly:

Fix a Leaking Pipe Joint With Plumber’s Tape

If no matter how many times you have tried to tighten your pipe and the joint continues to leak, it may be time to try out plumber’s tape. This type of adhesive is perfect for emergency leaks and is easy to use. Plumber’s tape does not fix the situation, but instead it gives you enough time to get a plumber scheduled and prevent the issue from becoming worse. 

Teflon Tape

Also known as plumber’s tape or pipe leak tape, teflon tape is a simple alternative to prevent further leaking. Teflon is specifically used for sealing in pipe leaks. Teflon tape is a great way to keep water sealed tight from leaking through any plumbing joints. 

Use Epoxy Putty to Seal Holes or Cracks

Epoxy or plumber’s putty are both great options for sealing in a crack or small hole. The putty is a quick and easy solution that hardens around the source of the leak and prevents further damage. Follow these steps for the best results: 

• Step 1: Turn off your home’s water supply. As mentioned earlier, this should be the first step to any type of maintenance you apply to your pipes. 

• Step 2: Be sure to clean and dry the area that you plan to patch up before applying the putty. Drain the damaged line completely.

• Step 3: Knead the putty until it is flexible enough to completely cover the damaged area. 

• Step 4: Once the putty fully sets, turn on the water flow to make sure all leaks have been covered.

How to Know if Your Joint Pipe Needs Replacing

Depending on the damage of the pipe and how old it is, it might be time to call your local plumber to replace your pipes. The best way to keep up with the maintenance of your pipes is by having them annually inspected. If you are the one who inspects your pipes, look for any signs of stains, discoloration, or flaking. The color of the water in your home is a determining factor of whether or not you need to replace your pipes. If your water is brown or yellow, this is a sign of decay inside the pipes. 

Here are a few other ways to know when it is time to replace your pipes: 

• Check for any leaks and if there are multiple leaks, then it is time to replace your plumbing system.
• If your system is older than 20 years, it is time to call a plumber to replace your pipes.
• Try to stay away from galvanized or CPVC steel. Unless your home is less than 10 years old, then you may want to wait.
• The water flow is low. 

Call a Plumber at ProServ Las Vegas

Contact the professionals at ProServ Las Vegas for all your plumbing needs! If you have a leaky pipe, we can fix it! We also provide high-quality HVAC and appliance repair services for Nevada residents and businesses. Whether you are looking for repairs, maintenance work, or installations we got you covered. Call us today for a free quote!