Abstract: A plug is made of a compressible and resilient material, and includes a tip and a base greater in diameter than the tip. The plug is configured so that the plug can be compressed and inserted tip first into an orifice exposed by disconnection of members of a fluid-bearing system such that the plug expands to seal the orifice when the plug is released. A handle is attached to the plug and extends from the base and is configured to facilitate removal of the plug from the orifice, the handle including a ring and being formed from the same material as is the plug.

Abstract: A plug made of a compressible and resilient material can be used in a method of reducing loss of fluid from a fluid-bearing system. The method can include locating an orifice in the fluid-bearing system, where said orifice is exposed by a disconnection of members of the fluid-bearing system; compressing the plug sufficiently so that at least the tip of the plug fits into the orifice, inserting the tip into the orifice; and then releasing the plug so that the plug expands to seal the orifice.