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A leaky pipe can be a major headache, but it’s a relatively easy problem to fix yourself with epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is a two-part adhesive that hardens into a watertight seal, making it ideal for fixing small leaks in pipes.
What You’ll Need
- Epoxy putty Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Rubber gloves
- Sandpaper or wire brush
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rags
Instructions
- Turn off the water supply to the leaky pipe. You can do this by locating the shutoff valve for that section of pipe and closing it.
- Dry the leaky pipe and surrounding area. You can use a rag or a hair dryer to do this.
- Rough up the area around the leak with sandpaper or a wire brush. This will help the epoxy putty adhere better. I had luck using the putty over a painted pipe.
- Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. This will remove any dirt or grime that could prevent the epoxy putty from bonding properly. I have good results not cleaning a damp pipe.
- Knead the epoxy putty together until it is a uniform color. Be sure to mix the two parts thoroughly. Work fast here.
- Apply the epoxy putty to the leak and mold it around the pipe. Make sure to cover the leak completely and extend the putty at least 1/2 inch beyond the leak on all sides.
- Smooth out the epoxy putty and remove any excess. You can use your fingers or a wet rag to do this.
- Wrap the putty with electrical tape and the tape can be left on the pipe for years after it cures.
- Allow the epoxy putty to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is typically 24 to 48 hours.
- Once the epoxy putty has cured, turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Tips
- For best results, use an epoxy putty that is specifically designed for plumbing applications.
- If the leak is large or on a pipe that is under a lot of pressure, you may need to use a different method to fix the leak, such as replacing the pipe section or installing a pipe clamp.
- If you are not comfortable fixing the leak yourself, you can always call a plumber.
Safety Precautions
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working with epoxy putty.
- Avoid getting epoxy putty on your skin or clothes. If you do get epoxy putty on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. If you get epoxy putty in your eyes, flush them immediately with water and seek medical attention.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using epoxy putty.
- Keep epoxy putty away from children and pets.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.