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Fix pipes that leak

We'll shut off water, locate the leak, patch small pinholes or tell you when to call a pro for joints, cracks, or hidden leaks.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
15–60 min
What you'll need
  • Pipe repair clamp or epoxy putty (for small pinholes only)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Towels
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Shut off water, locate the leak, patch small pinholes or call a pro.

  • Check visible pipes, joints, and fittings for drips, sprays, or pooling.
  • Good: You see a leak. Proceed to Shut off water and locate.
  • Bad: No visible leak but water somewhere—may be behind a wall. See When to get help.

Shut off water and locate

Goal: Stop the flow and find the exact leak location.

  • Locate the shutoff valve for the affected line or the main shutoff. Turn it clockwise to close.
  • Dry the area with a towel and watch for moisture to reappear. Check joints, fittings, and visible pipe for corrosion, cracks, or dripping.
  • Good: You see the exact spot where water emerges. Proceed to Patch a pinhole or When to get help based on leak type.
  • Bad: Cannot find the source—may be behind a wall. Call a plumber.

Patch a pinhole

Goal: Temporarily seal a small pinhole in accessible pipe.

  • Only for small pinhole leaks in accessible pipe. Not for joint leaks, cracks, or hidden leaks.
  • Clean the pipe around the leak. Wrap a pipe repair clamp over the leak and tighten the screws. Or use epoxy putty per the product instructions.
  • Turn the water back on slowly and check for drips.
  • Good: No drip at the patched spot. Monitor the area; plan to replace the pipe section when possible.
  • Bad: Still leaking, or the leak is at a joint or crack—call a plumber. Do not patch structural failures.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The leak is at a joint (soldered, threaded, or push-fit).
  • The pipe is cracked or split.
  • The leak is behind a wall or ceiling.
  • Water is spraying or pooling.
  • The patch fails.

Do not patch joint leaks or cracks—they need professional repair or pipe replacement.

Verification

  • Water is shut off at the source.
  • The leak is located and identified.
  • For pinholes: patch applied and no drip when water is turned back on.
  • For joints or cracks: plumber called. No delay when water is causing damage.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Shut off water Close the shutoff valve or main to stop the flow.
  2. Locate the leak Find the exact spot—joint, pinhole, or crack.
  3. Patch or call pro Patch small pinholes with clamp or epoxy; call pro for joints, cracks, or hidden leaks.
  4. Call a pro Joint leak, crack, behind wall, or patch fails—call a plumber.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Location of the leak
  • Leak type (pinhole, joint, crack)
  • Whether the leak is accessible
  • Steps already tried

Do you have a drip, spray, or pool of water from a pipe?

Pipe leaks can be a slow drip or a spray. Locate the source before repairing.

Check visible pipes, joints, and fittings. Good: you see a leak—proceed to shut off water. Bad: no visible leak but water somewhere—may be behind a wall; call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Shut off water and locate the leak

Close the shutoff valve or main. Dry the area and watch for moisture to reappear.

Turn the shutoff clockwise to close. Dry the pipe and watch for the leak to reappear. Good: you see the exact leak location. Bad: cannot find the source—may be behind a wall; call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is it a small pinhole in accessible pipe?

Pinholes can be patched. Joint leaks, cracks, and hidden leaks need a pro.

Identify the leak type. Pinhole: small hole in pipe wall—can patch if accessible. Joint: water at a connection—call a pro. Crack: split in pipe—call a pro. Behind wall: call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Patch with repair clamp or epoxy

Clean the pipe, apply the clamp or epoxy per instructions, and test.

Clean the pipe around the leak. Use a pipe repair clamp or epoxy putty per the product instructions. Turn water back on slowly and check. Good: no drip. Bad: still leaking—call a pro; the pipe may need replacement.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Leak fixed

The leak is stopped. Monitor the area. A patch is a temporary fix—plan to replace the pipe section when possible.

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the leak is at a joint, the pipe is cracked, the leak is behind a wall, water is spraying or pooling, or the patch fails. Do not delay when water is causing damage.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

What causes pipe leaks?
Common causes: corrosion (especially in older galvanized or copper pipes), failed joints or fittings, cracks from freezing or impact, and worn seals. Pinhole leaks often appear in copper; joint leaks at connections.
Can I fix a pipe leak myself?
Yes, for small pinhole leaks in accessible pipe you can use a repair clamp or epoxy putty as a temporary fix. Joint repairs, cracks, or leaks behind walls require a plumber. Never patch a crack or structural failure—replace the section or call a pro.
When should I call a plumber for a pipe leak?
Call a plumber if the leak is at a joint, the pipe is cracked, the leak is behind a wall, water is spraying or pooling, or you are not comfortable with the repair. A pro can replace the failed section or repipe as needed.

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