💧 Troubleshooting Guide: Leaking Pipe? Here's What You Can Do
A leaking pipe isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, and high water bills if left untreated.
Whether it's a slow drip or a sudden gush, it's important to act fast.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you respond to a pipe leak safely and effectively.
Whether it's a slow drip or a sudden gush, it's important to act fast.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you respond to a pipe leak safely and effectively.
✅ Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
• The first thing to do when you spot a leaking pipe is to turn off the water.
• For small leaks, you can usually turn off the local shut-off valve near the fixture.
• For bigger leaks or if you can’t find the source, turn off your main water shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or where the water line enters your home).
💡 Can’t find the shut-off valve? Give us a call—we can help you locate and label it for the future.
• For small leaks, you can usually turn off the local shut-off valve near the fixture.
• For bigger leaks or if you can’t find the source, turn off your main water shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or where the water line enters your home).
💡 Can’t find the shut-off valve? Give us a call—we can help you locate and label it for the future.
✅ Step 2: Drain the Remaining Water
• After shutting off the water, open nearby faucets or valves to drain the water left in the pipes.
• This step helps reduce pressure in the lines and keeps water from leaking further while you inspect or wait for help.
🧼 Don’t forget to place a bucket or towel under the leak to prevent damage to your floors or walls.
• This step helps reduce pressure in the lines and keeps water from leaking further while you inspect or wait for help.
🧼 Don’t forget to place a bucket or towel under the leak to prevent damage to your floors or walls.
✅ Step 3: Inspect the Pipe & Find the Source
• Look closely at the area around the leak. Is it a crack, loose joint, corroded area, or pinhole?
• Small leaks might just be from a loose fitting or worn-out seal, while larger ones could point to a broken pipe or aging plumbing system.
🔍 Leaks in walls or ceilings can be trickier to find—watch for damp spots, discoloration, or bubbling paint.
• Small leaks might just be from a loose fitting or worn-out seal, while larger ones could point to a broken pipe or aging plumbing system.
🔍 Leaks in walls or ceilings can be trickier to find—watch for damp spots, discoloration, or bubbling paint.
✅ Step 4: Use a Temporary Fix (If You’re Comfortable)
While waiting for a plumber, you can try a temporary patch:
• Rubber and clamp method: Wrap rubber (like from an old bike tube or glove) around the leak and secure it tightly with a hose clamp or zip ties.
• Epoxy putty or plumber’s tape: These can temporarily seal small leaks or cracks in pipes—available at most hardware stores.
⚠️ Remember, these are temporary solutions—you’ll still need a professional repair to fully fix the problem.
• Rubber and clamp method: Wrap rubber (like from an old bike tube or glove) around the leak and secure it tightly with a hose clamp or zip ties.
• Epoxy putty or plumber’s tape: These can temporarily seal small leaks or cracks in pipes—available at most hardware stores.
⚠️ Remember, these are temporary solutions—you’ll still need a professional repair to fully fix the problem.
✅ Step 5: Check for Water Damage
• Inspect walls, floors, cabinets, or ceilings near the leak for water stains, swelling, or mold.
• Use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry out the area and prevent further damage.
📷 Tip: Take photos of the leak and any damage—it may help with insurance claims later.
• Use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry out the area and prevent further damage.
📷 Tip: Take photos of the leak and any damage—it may help with insurance claims later.
🧠 When to Call a Professional
Investing time and money into quality plumbing during the construction phase can save you from headaches down the road:
• Fewer repairs: A properly installed and maintained system means fewer breakdowns and expensive fixes.
• Improved water efficiency: Sustainable plumbing choices will save water and reduce your monthly bills.
• Increased home value: A well-designed, efficient plumbing system adds value to your home, making it more attractive to future buyers.
• Fewer repairs: A properly installed and maintained system means fewer breakdowns and expensive fixes.
• Improved water efficiency: Sustainable plumbing choices will save water and reduce your monthly bills.
• Increased home value: A well-designed, efficient plumbing system adds value to your home, making it more attractive to future buyers.
📞 Time to Call HI-FLO WATER AND SEWER?
A leaking pipe is never something to ignore.
Even a small drip can waste gallons of water and cause thousands in damage over time.
If the leak is inside a wall, under the floor, or in a hard-to-reach place—or if you’re unsure about the cause—it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Even a small drip can waste gallons of water and cause thousands in damage over time.
If the leak is inside a wall, under the floor, or in a hard-to-reach place—or if you’re unsure about the cause—it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
💪 Why Choose HI-FLO WATER AND SEWER for Garbage Disposal Issues?
• Expert pipe diagnostics and leak detection
• Professional repair or full pipe replacement
• Interior and exterior plumbing service
• Emergency response available
• Clear, honest pricing every time
• Professional repair or full pipe replacement
• Interior and exterior plumbing service
• Emergency response available
• Clear, honest pricing every time
Leaks don’t fix themselves—but we do. Call your local plumbing pros and stop water damage before it starts.
Fast. Friendly. Reliable. We’re HI-FLO.
HI-FLO Water & Sewer