Quickly patch the pipe by turning off the water and applying silicone tape, epoxy putty, or a rubber sleeve around the damaged section. For joints between pipes, tighten the nuts to stop leaks or replace the washers inside the fittings.
Yes, compound sticks, also known as repair sticks or epoxy sticks, can effectively and temporarily seal leaky pipes. They are easy to apply – simply wet the pipe and knead the stick until soft, then apply it to the leak area. Most compound sticks harden within 20-30 minutes, providing a temporary watertight seal.
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.
Dealing with anything plumbing related can sound intimidating, but there are minor repairs homeowners can easily do themselves. As long as you follow the instructions provided with products you're using, you should be able to fix some common issues — and save a lot of money.
Self-fusing pipe tape forms a compression seal over a leak and can be effective for small leaks in a pipe or at a joint in the pipe. Stretch the tape around the pipe as you wrap the damaged area. Overlap the tape so it bonds to itself and creates a watertight seal.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Duct tape is waterproof and is a fast, straightforward, temporary fix to burst and leaky pipes – especially if you have nothing else at hand in your toolbox. To halt the leak before your plumber arrives, wrap the duct tape tightly around the pipe several times.
Typically, your homeowners insurance covers cleaning and required repairs due to water damage that is a result of a frozen pipe that has burst. If you turned off your heat when leaving your house for a few days, causing the pipes to freeze when outdoor temperatures dropped, your claim may not be covered.
Typically, fixing a burst pipe takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Factors like damage severity, pipe accessibility, and material type affect the time needed.
Minor leaks from pipes under sinks or from the base of a faucet are often within a handyman's ability to repair. They can apply the right sealant or replace a section of piping without overhauling the entire system.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.
Plumber's putty is a small but important product in the arsenal of any DIYer. You've seen it at hardware stores or in your friendly plumber's toolbox. If you have to stop or prevent leaks around your faucet, sink, or tub drains, plumber's putty is the product you need.
If you have a damaged PVC pipe in your home plumbing system, you cannot reliably use Flex Seal to solve the problem. If you turn your back on your Flex Seal repair for too long, the leak could return or you could have a burst pipe on your hands.
A leaking pipe can mean many things. It could mean an expensive visit from the plumber, a satisfying DIY repair project, or the start of a counterintuitive physics puzzle. Recent experiments discovered that a leak from a small hole in a vertical pipe can sometimes stop spontaneously.
Over time, this constant flow can chip away at your pipe. The ongoing pressure can push the hole and the pipe to a breaking point, causing it to burst. So, while a small leak might seem like it isn't doing much, it's important to think about what a constant flow of water can do to your pipes.
To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.
It's an emergency if: The wetness is quickly accumulating or escalating but you cannot visibly see the source of the water. This could mean you have a burst pipe in the wall or under the floor.
Most handymen charge between $50 and $80 per hour, making an average of $150 to $600 per job. Rates depend on their specialty, experience, level of education, and whether the handyman is insured, requires specialized equipment, or services rural locations.
Quickly patch the pipe by turning off the water and applying silicone tape, epoxy putty, or a rubber sleeve around the damaged section. For joints between pipes, tighten the nuts to stop leaks or replace the washers inside the fittings. We'll even show you how to use slip couplings to permanently repair pipes.
Epoxy putty is ideal for small leaks and cracks in pipes, especially in areas where the pipe material is exposed, such as under sinks or in basements.
Clean and Dry the Area: Wipe down the leaky pipe to remove any moisture and debris. Wrap the Silicone Tape: Begin wrapping the tape around the leak, stretching it as you go to ensure it bonds tightly. Overlap each wrap by about half the width of the tape to create a secure seal.