Q: I found water on the floor next to my toilet, and from what I can see, there is a drip coming from the pipe that sticks out of the wall next to the toilet. I have a butter dish to collect the drippings, but I have to keep reminding myself to empty the dish.
I live on a fixed income and do not want to call a plumber until I can save enough to pay him. Is there something I can do in the meantime to repair this problem?
A: Most plumbing fixtures have shut-off valves for both the hot and cold water supply pipes. If there is a shut-off valve at the pipe that is dripping, try turning the valve to the right about a quarter of a turn. In most cases this will seal or seat the valve and stop the leak.
If you do not have a shut-off valve, check to see if the leak is higher on the pipe leading to the toilet tank. If the tank is leaking, the water will stream down on the outside of the refill pipe and drip where the two pipes join at the wall.
This would require the replacement of the refill valve and/or the supply line to the tank.
Although a plumber would be preferred, smaller repairs such as this can be performed by a less expensive handyman. Ask friends, neighbors and church or club associates for references. You can also check for handyman services online at:
www.servicemagic.com
www.handymanusa.com
www.handymanonline.com
www.handymanconnection.com
If the leak is actually at the joint where two pipes meet, you may have a more serious problem that would need the immediate attention of a professional plumber. If you wait until the leak becomes a flood, the possible damage to your home could be major and very expensive.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)
