How to Fix a Leaky Pipe: Temporary & Permanent Fixes
A leaking pipe needs to be stopped immediately — every minute of delay risks mold, rot, and structural damage. Here's how to stop the leak now with a temporary fix, then replace the pipe section correctly for a permanent repair.
Do not waste time reading instructions — go to your main shutoff valve and turn it off now. Then come back and read this guide. The main shutoff is typically near the water meter, in the basement, utility room, or crawl space.
Which Repair Method to Use
| Leak Type | Best Temporary Fix | Permanent Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pinhole / small crack | Epoxy putty ($5–$10) | Cut out + new section |
| Crack up to 2 inches | Repair clamp ($8–$20) | Cut out + new section |
| Leaking joint / fitting | Tighten or re-wrap threads | Replace fitting entirely |
| Burst pipe / major damage | Call plumber (same day) | Full pipe replacement |
Step-by-Step Repair
Shut off the water immediately
Use the closest shutoff valve to the leak. Under a sink: turn the oval knobs on the supply lines clockwise. For basement or in-wall pipes: shut off the main supply. Open a faucet nearby to release pressure and drain the line before touching anything.
Find the exact source of the leak
Dry the entire pipe with a towel. Water always appears to originate higher than the actual leak — it runs down before it drips. Look for pinholes (small dark spot of corrosion), cracks, or weeping around joints. Mark the exact spot.
Apply temporary repair (epoxy putty or repair clamp)
- Dry the pipe surface completely — epoxy won't bond to wet metal
- Cut off a piece of two-part epoxy putty
- Knead until the color is uniform (2–3 minutes)
- Press firmly over the hole and mold around the pipe
- Let cure 30 minutes before turning water on
- Center the rubber gasket directly over the crack
- Wrap the clamp around the pipe
- Tighten the bolts evenly, alternating sides
- Tighten to 40–50 in-lb (firm but not overtightened)
These are temporary fixes. Plan permanent replacement within weeks.
Permanent repair: replace the damaged section
- Cut out 6+ inches around the damaged section with a pipe cutter
- Deburr the cut ends with the deburring tool on the pipe cutter
- Push SharkBite couplings onto each end until they click
- Insert a new pipe section and push on the second side of each coupling
Works on copper, PEX, and CPVC. Code-approved. Parts cost more ($8–$15/fitting) but no soldering needed.
- Cut out damaged section, clean pipe ends with emery cloth until shiny
- Apply flux paste to pipe ends and inside of couplings
- Slide on couplings and new pipe section
- Heat each joint with propane torch until flux bubbles
- Touch lead-free solder to the joint (not the flame) — it will wick in
- Wipe with damp cloth while still hot, let cool 5 minutes
Test the repair thoroughly
Turn water on slowly. Watch every inch of the repair for 5 minutes. Dry the area completely and place white paper towels underneath — even one drip will show clearly. Check again after 24 hours.
When to Call a Plumber Instead
- Leak is inside a wall, ceiling, or under a concrete slab
- Main water line is leaking (the large pipe from the street)
- Multiple pipes are leaking in different locations (systemic corrosion)
- Leak is near an electrical panel, wiring, or junction box (serious safety hazard)
- You cannot find the source after drying and inspecting the pipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a leaky pipe myself?
Yes for exposed pipes with small leaks. Epoxy putty ($5) and pipe repair clamps ($8–$20) work well as temporary fixes. For permanent repairs, SharkBite push-to-connect fittings require no tools and are code-approved. Call a plumber for leaks inside walls, under slabs, or at main line connections.
How much does it cost to fix a leaky pipe?
DIY materials: $5–$80. A plumber for an accessible exposed pipe: $150–$400. If the pipe is inside a wall (requires drywall cutting): $500–$2,000+. After-hours emergency rates add 50–100%. Always get at least two quotes for major repairs.
What happens if you ignore a leaking pipe?
Mold grows on wet drywall within 24–48 hours. A 1-drip-per-second leak wastes 3,000 gallons per year. Structural wood rots and attracts termites. Insurance companies routinely deny claims when they find a leak was known and ignored. Fix it now — even a $10 temporary patch buys time for a proper repair.
Is pipe repair epoxy a permanent fix?
No. Epoxy putty and repair clamps are temporary. They stop active leaking but do not restore the pipe's structural integrity. The correct permanent fix is cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with new pipe and proper fittings.
Leak Inside a Wall or Can't Find the Source?
Hidden leaks cause serious damage fast. A licensed plumber can locate the source with minimal cutting and fix it permanently.
Find a Plumber Near You