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.
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.
Flex Seal can be a temporary solution for a leaking water pipe, but it may not be a permanent fix. It works by sealing cracks and leaks with a waterproof coating, which can be effective for small leaks or drips. However, for larger leaks or significant damage, it's best to repair or replace the pipe properly.
Depending on the environment, coats added, and maintenance, many people have found Flex Seal will last for years without cracking, peeling, or losing any of its strength or sealing properties.
Spray n Seal does exactly what it says on the can. Whether you need a sealant for water leakage or a sprayable sealant, this product is your go-to solution. Simply locate the leak, clean the surrounding area, give it a spray, and the problem's solved with a water-tight seal in seconds.
The most popular products for sealing kitchen sink drains are plumber's putty and silicone sealant. Both products create effective, waterproof seals, but we recommend opting for silicone.
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.
Simple techniques such as using a rubber hose & clamp, adhesive tape or epoxy resin can help with temporary repairs for broken PVC, whereas Pipe Relining is the preferred method for damaged and cracked PVC pipe that is underground or in hard to reach places.
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.
Manual Drain Snakes and Augers
This tool has a long cable wound onto a spool with a metal corkscrew on the end designed to grab globs of hair and other blockages. Manual augers have a hand crank that the plumber uses to feed the cable into the drain, maneuver it through the pipe, and break up the debris inside.
Average Cost:
Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair. Replacing a full drain system can run between $15,000 and $20,000.
Use pipe wraps. Also called pipe repair wraps or bandages, they are specifically designed to fix cracked pipes temporarily. They are made of a self-adhesive material that sticks to the pipe surface and forms a waterproof barrier.
Plumbers putty is very easy to manipulate into tight areas, and it's also easier to remove. That makes silicone putty better for waterproofing, even if it's more difficult to work with. As mentioned, plumbers putty doesn't dry in the way you might expect so don't play around with it or attempt to force it to dry.
Epoxy compounds: Provide a short-term fix to leaking cast-iron pipes with epoxy. Dry your surface before beginning the repair, patch the area with epoxy and wait a few minutes for it to dry. Pipe wraps: Like epoxy, pipe wraps harden once applied to stop leaks.
Surfaces that require paint may not interact well with silicone, leading to adhesion issues. Structural joints that require significant load-bearing capacity are also better served by alternative sealants, as silicone may not provide the necessary support.
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.
Epoxy putty: Epoxy putty is a two-part compound that can be mixed together to form a strong adhesive. It's ideal for sealing leaks in pipes and can be used on both metal and plastic pipes. Epoxy putty is also resistant to chemicals and can be used on surfaces that come into contact with water.
Epoxy. Epoxy is one of the strongest adhesives on the market, which makes it a suitable choice for fixing a leaking PVC pipe. Most people call repair epoxy a putty since it can be used on joints or cracked surfaces. Before applying the liquid epoxy to the surface, you must prepare it by cleaning the damaged portion.
Wrap & Seal is suitable for fixing leaks in applications ranging from small domestic plumbing problems through to large scale industrial pipe repairs. Because it is effective on live leaks, using Wrap & Seal avoids costly and disruptive shutdowns of systems.