USA Expert Plumbing

Pipe leaking at the joint: temporary fixes that work

By USA Expert Plumbing Editorial Team. Updated . 1 min read.

Short answer

Turn off the water first. For a small leak at a joint, epoxy putty, self-fusing silicone repair tape or a pipe repair clamp can hold until a permanent repair. A push-fit coupling can replace a short damaged section. These are water-line fixes only; never use them on gas lines, and have a plumber make the permanent repair.

In this guide
  1. Temporary fixes
  2. How to apply them
  3. When to call a plumber
  4. Match the fix to the pipe
  5. Why joints leak

A dripping joint on a copper, PEX or PVC water line can often be controlled with a temporary fix from a hardware store. It buys time to schedule a proper repair.

First step in any water emergency: close the main water shutoff valve. If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, keep clear of it and turn off power only if you can reach the breaker panel without standing in water.

Temporary fixes

FixGood forNotes
Epoxy puttySmall pinhole or joint dripsPipe must be dry and clean; cures in minutes to an hour
Self-fusing silicone tapeDrips on straight pipe near a jointStretch tightly as you wrap; overlaps fuse together
Pipe repair clampLeaks on straight sectionsRubber pad and bolted sleeve; match pipe size
Push-fit couplingReplacing a short damaged sectionMany are rated for permanent use when installed per instructions

How to apply them

  1. Turn off the water and open a faucet to drain the line.
  2. Dry the area and lightly clean the pipe surface.
  3. Apply the product following its instructions, and give epoxy time to cure.
  4. Turn the water on slowly and watch for drips.

Never use tape, putty or clamps on a gas line. If a gas fitting leaks, leave the building and call the gas utility.

When to call a plumber

  • Threaded joints on old galvanized pipe, which often crack when disturbed
  • Leaks inside walls or ceilings
  • Repeated pinhole leaks in copper, which can signal a larger problem
  • Any leak you cannot fully stop

Repeated leaks throughout the house may point toward replacement; see our whole house repiping cost guide.

Match the fix to the pipe

PipeTemporary optionsPermanent fix
CopperEpoxy putty, clamp, silicone tapeNew fitting or section soldered or pressed
PEXClamp or push-fit couplingNew crimp, clamp or expansion fitting
PVC or CPVCEpoxy putty or tapeCut out the joint and solvent-weld new fittings
Galvanized steelClampOften replace the section with copper or PEX

Why joints leak

  • Corrosion around soldered copper joints
  • Vibration or water hammer loosening fittings
  • High water pressure
  • Freezing, which can split fittings

Common questions

How long does epoxy putty last on a water pipe?

It can hold for a while on small leaks, but it is meant as a temporary fix. Plan a permanent repair.

Can I use plumber's tape on a leaking joint?

Thread seal tape only works when a threaded joint is taken apart and reassembled. It does not stop a leak wrapped on the outside.

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