What commonly occurs to stop small leaks in steel or wrought iron water pipes?

In the context of small leaks in steel or wrought iron water pipes, filling with rust is a common phenomenon that can occur over time. When these types of pipes experience leaks, it is often due to corrosion, which results in the formation of rust. This rust can build up around the area of the leak and, although not a reliable long-term solution for preventing leaks, it can provide a temporary barrier that restricts the flow of water.

As rust accumulates, it can effectively seal small openings, which may prevent further leaking for a time. However, this is not a true repair process and does not address the underlying problem of pipe deterioration. Over time, continued exposure to moisture will worsen the pipe's condition, but initially, the rust can serve as a makeshift seal.

Other methods for repairing leaks, such as soldering or using tape, are not typically effective on steel or wrought iron pipes, particularly when dealing with areas that have already experienced corrosion. Replacing threads may not apply to all scenarios involving small leaks, as many issues in these pipes arise from the pipe body itself rather than the threaded connections. The temporary nature of rust provides some insight into the kind of ongoing maintenance and repair that might eventually be required to address leaks in these materials