Rubber or silicone repair tape Firstly, clean and dry the area with the leak and apply the tape directly to the PVC. Wrap tightly around the pipe, overlapping the tape and extending beyond the leak. Rubber or silicone tape is a robust temporary solution to stopping a leak.
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.
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.
Use epoxy putty or pipe putty as a temporary fix to a leaky pipe. Pipe putty is designed to harden at room temperature and seal the hole or crack.
Putty will not stop a leak. only a sealed pipe will.
Thus, it should not be used in any pressurized connection, such as a gasketed fitting or on the thread of pipes. Historically, plumber's putty was used to seal a leaky toilet or toilet bowl to a finished floor; however, we do not recommend it for these types of applications.
Plumbing putty is a powerful repair tool used to patch and repair leaking pipes. Before handling the plumber's putty, it is recommended that you wear latex gloves to avoid chemical burns on the skin.
For minor leaks, you can use plumber's tape, self-fusing silicone tape, or epoxy putty. Each of these methods helps seal leaks in pipes and fittings. Always start by turning off the water supply, drying the area, and applying the selected repair method.
Plumber's putty is a soft, pliable sealant commonly used in plumbing projects. Known for its ease of use, it creates effective watertight seals for fixtures like sinks and faucets without hardening or bonding permanently.
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 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.
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.
We do not recommend using Flex Seal on foam. Some foams may react poorly with Flex Seal, and may warp or dissolve. We also do not recommend using it in situations where it is subjected to high heat or pressure (such as engine radiators) or gas tanks. We do not recommend the use of Flex Seal spray on vinyl.
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.
Epoxy resin or silicone-based sealants can help repair minor leaks or cracks in pipes quickly and easily, creating an impermeable watertight barrier to stop additional water loss.
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. Silicone sealant is quick and easy to apply, and it's extremely durable. It's also much more versatile than plumber's putty.
Let's dive into the three main types of sealants: silicone, polyurethane, and acrylic.
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.
Once you've identified signs of a sewer pipe leak, it's important to contact a professional plumber or sewage specialist immediately. They will have the necessary expertise and equipment to perform leak detection, diagnose the problem and fix it as quickly as possible.
Many plumbers use Loctite 222 Threadlocker for its quick cure time and corrosion protection. Although it forms an excellent seal and prevents loosening, the fitting can also be easily removed with hand tools when necessary.
Sealing around cracks with epoxies or pull-through liners can provide a trenchless solution for minor leaks. Deeper splits may require spot excavation to access and replace damaged pipe sections. In some cases, if the full line shows signs of deterioration, complete replacement above or below ground may be best.