Pipes & leaks
Pipe repair
Pipe repair replaces a leaking or damaged section of water or drain pipe with new pipe and proper fittings. It is the right fix for a single failure. When leaks keep appearing in different places, the pipe material is wearing out and repiping becomes the more economical answer.
- Emergency plumbing help
- Licensed local plumbers
- Price confirmed before work
Copper develops pinholes from corrosive water or high velocity. Galvanized steel rusts shut from the inside. Polybutylene and some early plastic fittings fail at the joints. Cast iron drains crack along the bottom after decades of use. Each material has its own repair method and its own warning signs.
A good repair starts with finding out why the pipe failed. The plumber checks water pressure, since pressure above 80 psi strains every joint in the house, and looks at the condition of the pipe on each side of the leak before deciding how much to replace.
Pipe Repair at a glance
- Fixes
- Pinholes, leaking joints, cracked or corroded sections
- Materials
- Copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized, cast iron, PVC
- Check
- House pressure should be under 80 psi
- Repeat leaks
- Suggest repiping
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What are the signs you need a plumber?
- A drip or spray from an exposed pipe
- Green or white crust on copper fittings
- Rust flakes or brown water from galvanized pipe
- A stain on the ceiling below a bathroom
- Banging pipes or very high water pressure
What does the plumber do?
- 1
Shut off and inspect
Water is isolated and the plumber examines the pipe around the leak.
- 2
Find the cause
Pressure, pipe material and age are checked so the repair addresses the reason.
- 3
Replace the section
Bad pipe is cut out and new pipe joined with code-approved fittings.
- 4
Test
The line is pressurized and the repair watched before any wall is closed.
What affects the cost of pipe repair?
It depends on the job, and a plumbing company can only give a firm price after seeing it. Prices also vary by region and by time of day. These are the factors that move a quote up or down. Ask for the price in writing before work begins.
- Access: exposed pipe versus pipe in a wall, ceiling or slab
- Pipe material and diameter
- How much pipe around the leak is also worn
- Whether a pressure-reducing valve is needed
What can you do yourself, and when should you call a plumber?
Safe to try
- Close the nearest shutoff valve or the main
- Put a bucket under the leak and dry the area
- Use a repair clamp as a temporary hold on a pinhole
Call a plumber when
- Don't rely on tape or epoxy as a permanent fix
- Don't solder near framing or insulation without fire protection
Pipe Repair questions
Can a pinhole leak in copper pipe be repaired?
Yes. The plumber cuts out the affected piece and installs new pipe. If pinholes keep appearing along the same line, the water chemistry or velocity is wearing the copper and a larger replacement should be discussed.
Is it better to repair with copper or PEX?
Both are code-approved in most areas. PEX is flexible, quick to install and tolerant of freezing. Copper handles heat and sunlight better. The plumber chooses based on the existing pipe and local code.
What water pressure is too high?
Plumbing codes set 80 psi as the upper limit for a house. Above that, a pressure-reducing valve should be installed to protect pipes, fixtures and appliances.
How long does a pipe repair take?
Replacing a section of exposed pipe usually takes about an hour. Pipes behind finished walls or ceilings take longer because of access and patching.
What causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes?
Pinholes come from corrosion inside the pipe, driven by water chemistry, high water velocity, flux left from installation or stray electrical current. Acidic well water is a common cause.
Are push-fit fittings a permanent repair?
Push-fit fittings are approved by plumbing codes for permanent use, including behind walls in most areas, when installed on clean, square-cut pipe. Many plumbers still prefer soldered or crimped joints for concealed work.
What is water hammer, and can it damage pipes?
Water hammer is the bang you hear when a valve closes quickly and moving water stops suddenly. Repeated shocks loosen joints and supports over time. Arrestors and a pressure-reducing valve fix it.
Where we connect homeowners with plumbers
Pipe Repair requests are taken from across the United States. Local conditions change the work, so start with your city or find your state.
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Guides on this topic
How to shut off your water in an emergency
Find your main water shutoff valve, close it the right way and learn how to shut off a single fixture or the water heater when a pipe leaks.
Read the guideHow to prevent frozen pipes
Which pipes freeze first, what to do before a hard freeze and how to protect a house while you are away. Practical steps for cold and warm climates.
Read the guideSigns of a hidden water leak
A rising water bill, damp spots, musty smells and a moving meter all point to a hidden leak. Learn how to confirm one and narrow down where it is.
Read the guide
Need a plumber for this?
Call and tell us what's going on. Calling is free, and the plumber confirms the price before any work starts.