Temporary, do-it-yourself plumbing fixes are precisely that – temporary.
Are you dealing with a leaky pipe? Unsure of what to do? If you are leaning towards a do-it-yourself solution, we at Mahon Plumbing encourage you to be careful. Temporary, do-it-yourself plumbing fixes are precisely that – temporary. They are not designed to provide a durable, long-term solution for leaks and cracks, and without any professional attention, your plumbing issue is likely to get worse. Here are a few of the most readily available quick fixes on the market and how they can cost you a lot if you use them as a long-term plumbing solution.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Avoid chemical drain cleaners as much as as you can. This is especially true if you own an older house and the plumbing system has not been updated in a long time. Why avoid these cleaners if they are readily available. Chemical drain cleaners are highly caustic, meaning that they can eat away at the interior of your pipes with extensive use. If you are dealing with a pesky clogged drain, contact a professional plumber for a proper plumbing repair.
Pipe Clamps
Although pipe clamps are known for their durability, they are not meant to provide a long-term solution for leaky pipes. You can use a pipe clamp as a quick fix to contain a leak, but leaving it in place for weeks and weeks is asking for trouble. To avoid any rising water bills or damage, contact a team of plumbers for professional plumbing repairs.
Repair Sleeves
Repair sleeves are only meant to be used for the smallest cracks and leaks. Although they provide a strong shield against leaks, they are not intended for extended or extensive use. Keep in mind that unless you hire a professional for plumbing repairs, even the smallest cracks can grow worse as time passes.
Rubber Pipe Connectors
For leaky joints, rubber pipe connectors provide a reliable, temporary fix to your plumbing issue. That said, if you use connectors as a long-term fix, over time, the rubber can crack. Eventually, aging connectors will allow the leak to come back once again, and without a professional there, the problem might grow worse.
Pipe Wraps
As a temporary solution, pipe wraps are simple to apply and very versatile too. These wraps will harden after application, providing a stable patch for any minor cracks or leaks. However, leaving a wrap on a damaged pipe can set you up for water damage way down the road. It is fine to rely on a pipe wrap until your plumber can inspect the damage, but do not plan to let it sit there for more than a handful of days.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.