Leaks in pipes usually result from corrosion or from damage to the
pipe. Pipes may be damaged by freezing, by vibration caused by
machinery operating nearby, by water hammer, or by animals bumping into
the pipe. (Water hammer is discussed on P. 8)
[Illustration: _Figure 5._--Protected wall hydrant suitable for filling
agricultural sprayers.]
_Corrosion_
Occasionally waters are encountered that corrode metal pipe and tubing.
(Some acid soils also corrode metal pipe and tubing.)
The corrosion usually occurs, in varying degrees, along the entire
length of pipe rather than at some particular point. An exception would
be where dissimilar metals, such as copper and steel, are joined.
Treatment of the water may solve the problem of corrosion.[1]
Otherwise, you may have to replace the piping with a type made of
material that will be less subject to the corrosive action of the water.
[Footnote 1: For information about water treatment, see FB 2248,
"Treating Farmstead and Rural Home Water Systems." You can get a
free copy from your county agricultural agent or write the Office of
Information, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
Include your ZIP Code in your return address.]
It is good practice to get a chemical analysis of the water before
selecting materials for a plumbing system. Your State college or
university may be equipped to make an analysis; if not, you can have it
done by a private laboratory.
_Repairing Leaks_
Pipes that are split by hard freezing must be replaced.
A leak at a threaded connection can often be stopped by unscrewing the
fitting and applying a pipe joint compound that will seal the joint
when the fitting is screwed back together.
Small leaks in a pipe can often be repaired with a rubber patch and
metal clamp or sleeve. This must be considered as an emergency repair
job and should be followed by permanent repair as soon as practicable.
Large leaks in a pipe may require cutting out the damaged section and
installing a new piece of pipe. At least one union will be required
unless the leak is near the end of the pipe. You can make a temporary
repair with plastic or rubber tubing. The tubing must be strong enough
to withstand the normal water pressure in the pipe. It should be
slipped over the open ends of the piping and fastened with pipe clamps
or several turns of wire.
Vibration sometimes breaks solder joints in copper tubing, causing
leaks. If the joint is accessible, clean and resolder it. The tubing
must be dry before it can be heated to soldering temperature. Leaks in
places not readily accessible usually require the services of a plumber
and sometimes of both a plumber and a carpenter.