All pipes can fall victim to leaking at some point in time. Knowing how to deal with them is the first step to fixing them.
Leaking pipes are not only a nuisance but can become a serious problem if left alone. The water can seep through your flooring and begin to affect the floorboards and support beams of your floor. If left untreated, the wet wood will begin to rot and weaken leading to extensive, if not expensive, repair.
When you have a leaking pipe the first thing to do is to find where the leak is originating from. The leak may be coming from where two pipes are put joined together or a crack or break in a pipe. Begin by looking where you see the water and inspect the pipe(s) directly above that. Use a dry rag or towel to wipe the pipe dry. Work your way along the pipe, using the towel to dry any water on it, inspecting the pipe as you go. Look for any possible cracks, breaks or holes in the pipe. If you do not find the source of the leak along the pipe continue on to where the pipe is joined with anther pipe.
When you find where the two pipes are joined together first check to be sure the collar (the piece that connects the two pipes) is tight but do not over-tighten! If the collar is hand-tight and snug that is tight enough with PVC pipes. If the collar was loose check the pipe for leaks by letting water run through that pipe. After running water through the pipe check for leaks again. If there is no water present you have successfully fixed your leak. If there is still water leaking there is a problem with the connection of the pipes.
To check the connection loosen the collar until you can slide it back along the pipe. Slide the collar back carefully as there will be a plastic gasket or seal that will need to stay with the collar. Check to see where there is one pipe that fits into the end of the other pipe. Be sure that the smaller pipe does in fact slide into the larger pipe as this is one thing that helps ensure there are no leaks. If the pipe does not slide more than an inch into the larger pipe see if you can slide the pipe any further in. You will need to check for cracks or breaks in the pipe fitting into the other pipe and the threaded end of the outside pipe. Check for any cracks or breaks in the collar and if the seal is broken or cracked.
If you find a problem with any piece of the pipe or connection pieces you will have to replace those pieces. Replacing the pieces is not hard. Remove the damaged pipe or pipe connectors and take them with you to your local hardware store. You will be able to find the pieces you are needing by matching up the ones you brought to the ones at the store. If you are unsure as to the piece you need one of the store employees should be able to help you. Once you get home simply replace the old pieces with the new pieces.
If this either did not fix the leak or you still have a leak at the same connection you need to check to see if the two pipes connected together are straight with each other. If one pipe is at an angle it will allow a gap inside the connection allowing water to escape around the inserted pipe. This, of course, will lead to a leak. If one of the pipes does seem to be slightly angled just follow that pipe to the nearest elbow (the piece that creates a corner) or gooseneck (the pipe that looks like an "˜S' laying on its side). The pipe that connects into the elbow or gooseneck will be straight. Replace that pipe with either a longer or shorter pipe to create a level pipe.
Virtually all of the drains in your house (besides the toilet/commode) will be the same size pipe and can fall victim to leaks. Become familiar with the type of pipes that are in your house, how they connect and where they come from and lead to. This will make tracking down a leak much easier and less stressful to fix.
