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Are fittings giving you fits? Know your repair options.
One of the great things about modern plumbing is that it works really well. Unless you abuse your system, it will give you years of worry-free use. As far as reliability is measured, plumbing should be right up there with death and taxes. Of course, nothing in this world is perfect. Even the most expertly installed plumbing can develop problems. And more often than not, these problems first manifest themselves in the fittings.
Fittings are simply the connection components of pipes. Angled fittings allow pipes to go around corners. Other fittings allow pipes of different sizes to work together. Over the years, slight swelling and shrinking, shifting and settling and even inadvertent bumping can cause fittings to loosen. And when that happens you’ll get leaks.
Ultimately, any loose or leaky fitting will need to be replaced. But as we all know, that’s not always immediately practical. So here are a couple of tips for temporarily repairing a fitting.
Probably your best option is to use fiberglass repair tape. Find the problematic fitting, start wrapping the tape at the outside of one side of the fitting and continue wrapping until you’ve gone one inch past the other side of the fitting, onto the pipe.
The other technique to try involves plumber’s putty. Sometimes you can apply putty around a loose fitting to solidify the seal and rebuff any leak. It’s the same principle as tape only it will probably be easier to apply in tight spaces.
If your fittings and pipes are corroded, these techniques may only cause the problem to move further down the line. Your best bet is to have your system inspected by a qualified plumber. Contact your local ARS or Rescue Rooter service professional today to schedule an appointment.
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