How to Repair a Pipe Leak

You walk into the kitchen and there’s a damp spot under the sink. Or maybe you see a water stain on the ceiling that wasn’t there last week. That drop in your stomach is completely understandable.  

Pipe leak repair can be stressful, and the longer a pipe leaks, the worse it usually gets. Water has a way of finding every crack and corner. What starts small can quietly cause serious damage to your home over time. 

The good news is that you might be able to tackle some minor leaks on your own. But hidden leaks—or anything that’s already caused water damage to your home of business—calls for professional help.  

Key Takeaways 

• Pipe leaks can stem from several causes, such as aging pipes, high water pressure, corrosion, and temperature changes. 
• Some minor pipe leaks have DIY-friendly fixes, but hidden leaks or leaks that’ve already caused water damage need a licensed plumber or restoration professional. 
• Pipe leak repair costs vary depending on the type of leak, its location, and how much damage you’ve experienced. 
• Catching a pipe leak early is one of the best things you can do to protect your home and wallet. 
• Regular maintenance and a few simple habits can go a long way toward preventing pipe leaks before they start.  

Why Do Pipes Leak?

Pipes don’t typically fail overnight. Most of the time, pipe leaks build up slowly over months or even years. By understanding what causes pipes to leak in the first place, you can spot trouble earlier and act before you start hearing that ominous drip, drip, drip… 

Age and Corrosion

Pipes don’t last forever. Most residential plumbing has a lifespan between 20 and 100 years, depending on the material. Older galvanized steel and iron pipes are especially prone to rust and corrosion over time.  

As the metal breaks down, small holes and weak spots develop. That’s when leaks start showing up. If your home is more than a few decades old and still has its original plumbing, age could be putting your pipes at risk.  

High Water Pressure and Freezing

High water pressure feels great in the shower, but it can put stress on your pipes and pipe joints. Over time, that stress adds up.  

In colder climates, freezing temperatures create a whole different problem. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, and that expansion can crack or burst the pipe. A burst pipe means water spraying uncontrollably in your home or business. It’s one of the most damaging pipe leak scenarios.   

Poor Installation or Damage 

Sometimes a pipe leak comes from how the plumbing was installed in the first place. Loose fittings, improper sealing, or the wrong materials can all lead to leaks down the road. It’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced and licensed plumber. 

Common Types of Pipe Leaks

There’s no single type of plumbing pipe leak that applies to every situation. The location and nature of the leak often point you toward the right fix. In some cases, the type of leak can even tell you whether it’s something you can handle yourself or whether you should bring in a pro. 

• Pinhole leaks: Tiny holes can form in copper pipes due to corrosion. They’re small but can cause a lot of water damage over time because they’re easy to miss.  
• Joint leaks:Two pipes can leak at their connection point, or joint. These are among the most common types of leaks and can develop when fittings are loose or seals wear out.  
• Burst pipes: A pipe can burst due to freezing temperatures or extreme pressure. A burst pipe is almost always an emergency, as it can cause home flooding. 
• Leaking valves: Shutoff valves and supply line valves wear out over time and can begin dripping. These leaks are especially common under sinks and behind toilets.  
• Slab leaks: The pipes beneath your home’s concrete foundation can spring a leak. Slab leaks are difficult to discover and require a professional team to repair. 

How to Repair a Pipe Leak

When you make the unhappy discovery of a leaking pipe in your home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and take action. The order in which you handle things matters just as much as what you do.  

Here’s how to approach pipe leak repair the right way. 

Find the Leak and Shut Off the Water

Before anything else, locate the source of the leak if you can. Check under sinks, around appliances, along exposed pipes in the basement or crawl space, and look for water stains on ceilings and walls.  

Once you find the leak, shut off the water supply to that area or turn off the main shutoff valve for your home. This stops the flow and gives you a chance to assess the situation without the leak causing more water damage.  

Temporary Fixes

If you’re facing a small leak that you can access, there are a few temporary solutions you can try to buy some time. Head to your local hardware store and pick up pipe repair clamps, rubber pipe connectors, or plumber’s epoxy. Any of these solutions might be able to slow or stop a minor leak for a while.  

Keep in mind that these aren’t permanent solutions. They can, however, help while you plan a more permanent repair.  

Permanent Repairs 

The right repair for your pipe will depend a lot on the type of leak and its location. If you’re a handy person, you can probably replace a worn washer or tighten a loose fitting on your own. However, if the repair requires replacing a section of the pipe, that often calls for soldering or specialized equipment. These repairs are best left to a licensed plumber. It’s worth it to handle a permanent repair the right way so you won’t have to deal with a new leak down the road. 

When to Call a Plumber or Restoration Pro

Some plumbing leak repairs are simply beyond what you should take on yourself. If your repair involves replacing the pipe or soldering, it’s best to call a licensed plumber. The same goes for leaks in hard-to-reach places, like inside walls or under slabs. A plumber will diagnose, repair, or replace faulty plumbing and get your water flowing correctly again.  

If the leak caused water damage in your home, your next call should be to a water restoration specialist. The restoration team will handle removing water, drying your home, repairing or replacing soaked materials, and eliminating mold risks.  

It’s important to understand the different water damage categories. Anything in Category 2 or 3 usually requires professional restoration.  

If a leak has caused water damage in your home, SERVPRO’s water damage resources can help you plan your next steps. 

How Much Does Pipe Leak Repair Cost?

Pipe leak repair costs will vary quite a bit depending on the type of leak and where it is. Expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $4,700 to repair a leak, with the national average cost hovering around $500. 

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different issues: 

• Minor leaks from clogs or simple drain issues: $150 to $300 
• Main water line: $340 to $1,500 
• Waste or sewer line repair: $1,250 to $4,700 

Keep in mind, these figures only cover the plumbing fix itself. If a plumbing pipe leak causes water damage to your home, you’ll pay more for drywall and floor repair and possibly for mold cleanup as well.  

How to Prevent Pipe Leaks

Regular maintenance can go a long way toward preventing a majority of pipe leaks.   

Here’s what to add to your home maintenance schedule: 

• Check exposed pipes under sinks, in basements, and in crawl spaces a few times a year. Look for signs of moisture, rust, or corrosion. 
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is and make sure it works properly. 
• Keep your water pressure between 40 and 60 psi. Anything higher puts unnecessary stress on your pipes and fittings. 
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas before winter hits to protect against freezing. 
• Address slow drains and minor drips right away rather than waiting to see if they get worse.  

Get Help From SERVPRO

A pipe leak is stressful, but it’s absolutely fixable. Start by hiring a licensed plumber to handle the pipe leak repair itself. If the leak caused water damage, it’s time to reach out to SERVPRO. 

Our trained technicians are located throughout the U.S. and Canada and are ready around the clock to dry, clean, and restore your home or business. 

Find your local SERVPRO today.  

FAQs

How Do You Repair a Leaky Pipe?

Start by shutting off the water supply and finding the source of the leak. You may be able to handle a minor leak repair with a pipe repair clamp or epoxy as a temporary fix. Permanent repairs will depend on the type and location of the leak and often require a licensed plumber.  

How Do You Seal a Leaking Pipe?

For a temporary seal, try using plumber’s epoxy, pipe repair tape, or a rubber pipe clamp. These are only short-term solutions. To permanently fix the leak, you’ll likely need to hire a plumber to replace or repair the damaged section of pipe.  

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Pipe?

The cost of fixing a leaking pipe varies widely. You could pay anywhere from $150 to $4,700, depending on the severity of the leak and the location of the pipe. The national average cost for a plumbing leak repair is $500. You’ll pay less for simple, accessible leaks. Leaks inside walls, under slabs, or those involving water damage will cost more.