Fix a Leaky Pipe Using Epoxy Putty
A leaky pipe can cause plenty of damage if left unchecked. Here’s a simple fix that won’t require a professional or new pipes.
- Locate the leak
- Turn off the water supply (use the shut off valve)
- Dry the pipe
- Work the epoxy together and apply it around the pipe, allowing it to set
- After letting the epoxy set, turn the water supply on once more and check for any leaks.
Stop a Running Toilet
There are two probable causes for a running toilet, a deteriorating rubber flapper or the tank water level being set too high. Here’s how to fix both of them.
Replacing a Toilet Flapper
- As always, shut off the water to the toilet.
- Flush the toilet to drain the rest of the water in the tank.
- Remove the old rubber flapper from the bottom of the tank and the chain from the handle rod.
- Wipe off the rim of the tank drain.
- Install the new rubber flapper, attach the chain to the handle rod.
- Turn the water back on.
- Allow the tank to refill and wait for the toilet to stop running.
Adjusting the Water Level
- Remove the lid of the toilet tank.
- Adjust the float in the tank via adjustment screw or rod.
- Flush the toilet and wait for the tank to refill.
- Check the level to make sure it is below the overflow tube.
- Continue adjusting and filling the tank until correct.
Stopping a Leaky Faucet
Much like a running toilet, this is likely caused due to deteriorating rubber, at least in older models.
- As always, turn off the water to the fixture.
- Undo the decorative cap on the faucet handle.
- Remove the screw under the cap in the faucet handle.
- Pull the faucet handle off to expose the valve.
- Use a deep socket wrench to remove the valve from the faucet.
- Remove the screw holding the washer on the end of the valve.
- Replace the old washer with a new one.
- Wrap the valve thread with plumber’s tape.
- Screw the valve back to the faucet.
- Tighten the valve with the wrench.
- Replace the screw back to the valve.
- Replace the decorative cover back on the end of the handle.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
This fix is mostly for older compression style faucets. If you have a newer ball or cartridge based faucet, it is likely easier to purchase a repair kit as opposed to repairing any single part.
Those are just a few DIY jobs you won’t need us for, but if you get in over your head, all of us at Parker & Sons are just a quick call away.