Plumbing service
Pipe repair
Short answer
Pipe repair usually means cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with new pipe and fittings suited to the material. The plumber also looks for the cause, such as corrosion, high pressure, a freeze, or movement, because fixing only the leak often means another one nearby.
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Pipe Repair at a glance
- Typical repair
- Cut out the damaged section; replace with new pipe using soldered, press, crimp or push-fit fittings.
- Temporary fixes
- Repair clamps or epoxy putty can hold until a plumber arrives, with the water off where possible.
- Look for the cause
- Corrosion, high pressure, freezing, or unsupported pipe.
- Many leaks?
- Consider repiping.
Common pipe problems
| Problem | What causes it | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Pinhole leak in copper | Pitting from water chemistry or turbulence | Replace the section; recurring pinholes suggest repiping |
| Leak at a threaded joint | Corrosion in galvanized pipe, loosened fitting | Replace the fitting and nipple; check nearby pipe |
| Split pipe | Freezing, physical damage | Replace section; protect from future freezing |
| Water hammer (banging) | Fast-closing valves, loose pipe, high pressure | Arrestors, pipe straps, pressure regulation |
| Sweating pipes | Condensation on cold lines | Insulate the pipe; not a leak |
Holding a leak until the plumber arrives
- Close the nearest shutoff valve, or the main valve.
- A pipe repair clamp (a rubber pad with a metal sleeve) can slow a pinhole or small split.
- Epoxy putty made for plumbing can seal a small leak on a dry pipe.
- Put a bucket and towels under the leak and move anything valuable.
These are stopgaps. Even if a clamp stops the drip, have the section replaced.
Noisy pipes
A bang when a valve closes quickly (dishwasher, washing machine, single-handle faucet) is water hammer: the moving water stops suddenly and shocks the pipe. Water hammer arrestors near the valve absorb the shock. Rattling pipes need straps or cushions. High street pressure makes both worse, and a pressure-reducing valve may be part of the fix.
What affects the cost
- Where the pipe is: exposed in a basement vs. inside a finished wall or ceiling
- Pipe material and the fitting method needed
- Whether drywall, tile or flooring must be opened and restored
- After-hours timing
- Whether the plumber finds more corroded pipe nearby that should be replaced at the same time
We don't publish prices; they vary by market. Get a written quote first.
Problems that lead to pipe repair
- Water leaking from the ceilingWhat to do when water drips through a ceiling, how to tell a plumbing leak from a roof leak, and the bathroom sources most often behind it.
- Noisy or banging pipesWhat causes pipes to bang, knock, rattle or whistle, how water hammer arrestors and pressure valves fix it, and when noise signals a bigger problem.
Common questions
Why do pinhole leaks keep appearing in my copper pipes?
Recurring pinholes usually point to pitting corrosion, often related to water chemistry or high flow velocity. When they recur in different places, repiping sections or the whole house is often more economical than repeated repairs.
Can I fix a leaking pipe myself?
Temporary clamps and plumbing epoxy are homeowner-friendly. Permanent repairs involve cutting pipe and joining fittings correctly, and are safest with a plumber, especially on gas or inside walls.
Why do my pipes bang when I turn off the water?
That's water hammer. Arrestors near quick-closing valves, better pipe support, and lowering high water pressure usually solve it.