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How to fix a pipe leak

We'll locate the leak, apply a repair clamp or tighten the joint, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
20–60 min
What you'll need
  • Pipe repair clamp (for pinholes)
  • Epoxy putty (temporary fix, optional)
  • Wrench, channel-lock pliers
  • Replacement fitting (if needed)
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Steps

Goal: Shut off water, locate the leak, fix it with a clamp or by tightening the joint, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Turn off the water supply to the affected area or shut off the main. Relieve pressure by opening a faucet until water stops.
  • Good: No water flow when the faucet is open. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Water still flows—find the correct shutoff valve.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the pipe and the area around it. Turn the water back on briefly and watch where water appears—at a joint, at a fitting (elbow, tee, coupling), or at the pipe body (pinhole, crack).
  • Good: You see water emerge from one or more spots. Proceed to Use repair clamp or Tighten joint based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate the leak—call a plumber.

Use repair clamp

Goal: Stop a pinhole or small crack in the pipe body.

  • Shut off the water. Dry the pipe. Wrap the rubber gasket of the repair clamp around the leak and position the clamp over it. Tighten the clamp bolts evenly until snug.
  • Turn the water on and check for leaks. This is a temporary fix—plan to replace the pipe section when possible.
  • Good: No drips at the clamp. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Leak is large or pipe is severely corroded—call a plumber.

Tighten joint

Goal: Stop leaks at a joint or fitting.

  • Shut off the water. For threaded connections, try tightening the nut or fitting a quarter turn—do not overtighten. For slip joints, check that the pipe is fully inserted and the nut is snug. If the fitting is cracked or corroded, replace it.
  • Turn the water on and check for leaks.
  • Good: No drips at the connection. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Connections will not seal or pipe is in a wall—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The pipe is in a wall.
  • The leak is large or spraying.
  • The pipe is severely corroded.
  • You have galvanized pipes that are failing.
  • You are not comfortable with the repair.

Do not delay—water can cause significant damage.

Verification

  • No drips at the repair clamp, joint, or fitting when the water is on.
  • The pipe is dry and the repair holds under normal water pressure.

Where is the leak?

Dry the pipe, turn water on briefly. Watch for water at a joint, fitting, or pipe body.

Shut off the water. Dry the pipe. Turn water on briefly. Good: you see water at a joint, fitting, or pipe body. Bad: cannot locate—call a plumber.

Pipe body Joint or fitting

You can change your answer later.

Use repair clamp

Apply a repair clamp over the pinhole or crack. Turn water on. Good: no leak. Bad: leak is large or pipe is severely corroded—call a plumber. Plan to replace the pipe when possible.

Done

Tighten or replace fitting

Tighten the slip joint or threaded connection. Replace if cracked. Turn water on. Good: no leak. Bad: still leaks or pipe is in wall—call a plumber.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pipe leak?
Common causes: corrosion (pinholes), loose joints, cracked fittings, or freezing damage. Older galvanized or copper pipes can develop pinholes. Joints can loosen over time. A burst pipe from freezing needs immediate repair.
Can I fix a pipe leak myself?
Yes, for small pinholes or loose joints in accessible pipes. Use a repair clamp for pinholes, or tighten or replace the fitting. Shut off the water first. If the pipe is in a wall, severely corroded, or the leak is large, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a pipe leak?
Call a plumber if the pipe is in a wall, the leak is large or spraying, the pipe is severely corroded, or you have galvanized pipes that are failing. Do not delay—water can cause significant damage.

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