WATER LEAKS

Water leaks are probably the most common type of complaint plumbers receive about water distribution systems. Most of the time leaks are easy to find, and they are not usually too difficult for experience plumbers to repair. There are times, however, when the leaks are not so easy to find or to fix. As the list of acceptable plumbing materials for water distribution systems has grown, so has the diversity of the types of piping and tubing used in water systems. You never know when you will be dealing with copper, polybutylene (PB), polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), galvanized steel, or maybe even brass. Just having enough variety of fittings and supplies on your service truck to deal with all of these types of materials can be a job. Since there are so many possibilities for the makeup of a water distribution system, let's take the time to look at each type of material on its own. This will allow us to see exactly what problems are unique to the different types of pipes.

A FAUCET-HOLE LEAK

Have you encountered a faucet-hole leak? This type of leak will normally appear to be a problem with the kitchen faucet or spray assembly. Water will have accumulated on the floor of the base cabinet and may be clinging to the supply tubes or spray hose. When you first see the water, it is natural to assume the problem is with the faucet. In a way, the problem is with the faucet, but it is not a faucet defect or a problem with the faucet connections. The problem is a bad seal between the faucet base and the sink top. It could be a bad gasket or a deteriorated putty seal. In either case, water will leak under the faucet base and run through the faucet-mounting holes in the sink. To correct this problem, the faucet should be removed and a new seal of putty or a new gasket should be installed. Applying a bead of caulking around the perimeter of the faucet base is another option for solving this type of problem.

COPPER LEAKS

Copper leaks are the most common type of leak found in the piping of water distribution systems. Copper tubing and pipe has been used for many years, and it is still quite popular for new installations. While any experienced plumber knows how to solder joints on copper pipe, there are times when the job doesn't go by the book. A little water trapped in a copper pipe can make soldering a joint a hair-pulling experience if you don't know how to handle the situation. There are also those times when the fittings that must be soldered are located in places where the flame from a torch poses some potentially serious problems.

WARNING: Do not take chances with your safety. The following information is strictly for educational purpose. We strongly suggest that you do not get involved with any water and gas leaks repairs on your own. All water and gas leaks related repairs require professional training and experience with water, gas or electric systems and can be very dangerous if you don't have the appropriate training.