Leaking Pipe – Complete Guide

A leaking pipe happens when water escapes through a crack, hole, or loose joint in your plumbing system. At first, it may only look like a small drip, but over days and weeks, it can waste huge amounts of water, increase your utility bills, and even damage your walls, floors or foundation.

Example: A pipe dripping once every second can waste more than 7,000 liters of water in a month  enough to fill a small swimming pool!

That’s why understanding the causes and fixing leaks quickly is so important.

Common Causes of Leaks Pipe

1. Rust and Corrosion

Old metal pipes (like iron or steel) naturally weaken over time. Rust eats away at the pipe walls until tiny holes appear.

• Example: If your tap water sometimes looks brown or has a metallic taste, your pipes may be corroding and close to leaking.

2. High Water Pressure

Water rushing through pipes too quickly creates stress. If pressure is too high, it can loosen joints or even crack pipes.

• Example: If you hear banging or knocking noises when you turn off a faucet, it could be from water hammer — a sign of excess pressure that may cause leaks.

3. Poor Installation Work

Sometimes the issue isn’t age but mistakes during installation. Loose fittings, wrong sealants, or mismatched pipe sizes lead to weak spots.

• Example: A newly renovated bathroom that starts dripping within weeks often points to poor workmanship rather than old pipes.

4. Temperature Changes

Sudden changes in temperature can make pipes expand and contract. In cold weather, frozen water expands inside pipes, often causing them to burst.

• Example: Outdoor garden taps are common leak points during winter if not properly insulated.

5. Clogged or Blocked Pipes

Build-up of grease, food scraps, soap, or hair increases internal pressure. With nowhere for water to go, it pushes through weak spots.

• Example: Kitchen sink pipes often leak under the cabinet because grease collects inside, narrowing the pipe.

6. Tree Root Invasion

Underground water or sewer pipes attract roots searching for moisture. Once roots find a small crack, they grow inside and split the pipe further.

• Example: Wet patches or foul smells in the yard, especially near big trees, can signal root damage to buried pipes.

Signs of Leaking Pipes

Catching a leak early can save you from expensive water bills, mold growth, and serious property damage. Many leaks are hidden behind walls, under floors, or underground, but your home usually gives warning signals. Here are the most common signs:

1. Unusually High Water Bills

If your water usage hasn’t changed but the bill keeps rising, it could mean water is escaping somewhere.

Example: A family of four normally pays RM100 for water, but suddenly the bill jumps to RM180 without extra usage — a hidden leak is likely.

2. Damp or Discolored Walls and Ceilings

Water that seeps from a pipe inside the wall will stain paint or plaster. Over time, the patch may bubble, peel, or turn yellowish.

Example: A brown ring on the ceiling often points to a leaking pipe above, especially in bathrooms.

3. Mold or Musty Smell

Leaks create constant moisture, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you notice a damp, earthy smell, it may be from a hidden pipe leak.

Example: Even after cleaning, a musty smell under the sink may indicate a slow leak feeding mold growth.

4. Unexplained Wet Spots

Puddles or damp areas indoors (on the floor) or outdoors (in the yard) are a strong sign of underground or concealed leaks.

Example: A patch of grass in your garden growing greener and faster than the rest may be sitting right above a leaking underground pipe.

5. Low Water Pressure

When water is escaping before reaching the tap, you’ll notice weaker flow from faucets, showers, or sprinklers.

Example: If the shower suddenly feels weak while other appliances aren’t running, part of the pressure might be lost to a leak.

6. Hissing or Dripping Sounds

Sometimes you can hear water escaping even if you can’t see it. Listen carefully near walls, floors, or ceilings for unusual noises.

Example: A faint hissing sound behind the bathroom wall may be a pressurized pipe spraying water.

7. Foundation Cracks or Structural Damage

Long-term leaks under concrete floors or foundations can weaken structures, leading to cracks or even sinking floors.

Example: A wet basement with cracks spreading across the concrete floor could be due to a broken water line beneath.

Immediate Actions to Take for a Leaking Pipe

When you notice a leaking pipe, acting fast is very important. Even a small drip can turn into a flood, damage your walls or floors, and waste hundreds of liters of water. Here are the simple steps you should follow right away:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The very first step is to stop more water from flowing into the pipe.

• How to do it: Find the main water valve (usually near the water meter or outside your house) and turn it off.
• Example: If you see water dripping from the kitchen pipe, shutting off the main valve will stop the flow before it floods your floor.

2. Drain the Remaining Water

• Even after shutting off the valve, water will still be inside the pipes.
• How to do it: Open nearby taps and let the remaining water run out until the pipe is empty.

Example: If your bathroom pipe is leaking, turn on the sink faucet to release the leftover water so the leak stops dripping.

3. Dry the Area Around the Leaking Pipe

A wet surface makes it hard for tape, putty, or clamps to stick.

• How to do it: Use a cloth or towel to dry the leaking pipe before applying any repair material.
• Example: When fixing with epoxy putty, drying the pipe first helps the putty bond better.

4. Apply a Temporary Fix

Once the pipe is dry, seal it with a quick repair method until a plumber can give a permanent solution.

• Options:
• Wrap with plumbing tape for small cracks.
• Use epoxy putty for pinholes or tiny splits.
• Place a rubber patch and hose clamp for bigger leaks.
• Example: If your washing machine pipe has a pinhole leak, wrapping it tightly with self-fusing tape can stop the drip immediately.

5. Collect the Leaking Water

Put a bucket or container under the leaking pipe to catch dripping water and protect your floors.

• Example: A slow drip under the sink can be managed with a bucket until you repair it properly.

6. Call a Professional (If Needed)

If the leak is too big, hidden inside walls,or underground, a plumber will be required to fix it permanently.

• Example: A leaking pipe inside a concrete wall is not a DIY job — better to call a plumber before the wall gets badly damaged.

How to Fix a Leaking Pipe Without Replacing It

Not every leaking pipe needs a full replacement. In many cases, you can patch, seal, or cover the leak and keep the pipe working for a long time. These are practical solutions you can try at home before calling a plumber.

1. Seal the Leak with Waterproof Tape

Special plumbing or silicone repair tapes can cover cracks and pinholes. They stretch and stick tightly to the leaking pipe.
Steps:

• Shut off the water supply.
• Wipe the pipe dry.
• Wrap the tape tightly over the leak, stretching it as you go.
• Example: A small hole in a washing machine water line can be sealed in minutes with self-fusing tape.

2. Use Epoxy Putty (Quick Seal Clay)

Epoxy putty is like modeling clay that hardens into a strong seal.
Steps:

• Turn off the water and clean the pipe.
• Knead the putty until it becomes one solid color.
• Press it firmly over the crack or hole.
• Let it harden before turning water back on.
• Example: A copper pipe in the bathroom wall can be sealed with epoxy putty to stop dripping.

3. Rubber Patch with Hose Clamp

For bigger leaks, a piece of rubber and a clamp can create a strong patch.
Steps:

• Cut a small piece of rubber (from an old garden hose).
• Place it over the leaking spot.
• Tighten it with a hose clamp or metal clip.
  Example: A kitchen sink drain pipe can be patched this way until a permanent fix is done.

4. Install a Pipe Repair Clamp on leaking pipe

This is a ready-made clamp designed just for leaks.
Steps:

• Place the clamp over the crack.
• Tighten the bolts until it seals tightly.
• Example: Outdoor water supply pipes can be quickly sealed with a clamp bought from any hardware shop.

5. Apply Plumbing Sealant or Glue on leaking pipe

Some leaks can be sealed with strong waterproof glue.
Steps:

• Clean and dry the surface.
• Apply the sealant directly on the crack.
• Let it cure before using water again.
• Example: Small leaks in PVC plastic pipes can be sealed this way.

You can fix a leaking pipe without replacing it by using waterproof tape, epoxy putty, rubber + clamp, repair clamps or sealants. These solutions are simple, inexpensive and effective for both emergency and long-term use.

Best Tapes to Fix a Leaking Pipe

When a pipe starts leaking, the right tape can save you time, money, and prevent water damage. Here are the top types of tapes you can use, along with real examples and popular product names.

1. Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

• Sticks to itself, no glue needed.
• Works on wet or dry pipes.
• Resists high pressure and heat.
• Example: If your washing machine hose is dripping, wrapping silicone tape tightly can stop the leak.

Popular Options:

1. Rescue Tape
2. X-Treme Tape
3. F4 Tape

2. Thick Rubberized Repair Tape

• Stronger and thicker than normal silicone tape.
• Great for PVC pipes and outdoor water lines.
• Durable for temporary repairs.
• Example: A garden PVC pipe crack can be sealed quickly with rubberized tape.

Popular Options:

• Flex Tape
• Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape

3. Thread Seal Tape (PTFE/Teflon Tape)

• Best for threaded joints and fittings, not cracks.
• Stops leaks at connections.
• Easy to apply: wrap 3–5 times around threads.
• Example: If water drips from your showerhead where it connects to the pipe, PTFE tape fixes it.

Popular Options:

• Oatey PTFE Thread Seal Tape
• Dixon Valve PTFE Tape

4. Epoxy-Resin Repair Wrap

• Special wrap coated with epoxy that hardens like steel.
• Works for bigger cracks or pressurized pipes.
• Semi-permanent solution.
• Example: A cracked metal pipe in the basement can be sealed using epoxy wrap until a replacement is possible.

Popular Options:

• FiberFix Repair Wrap
• Gorilla Epoxy Putty + Wrap Kit

Leaking Pipe – FAQs

1. Why do pipes usually start leaking?

Pipes don’t last forever. They may leak because of rust, poor-quality installation, very high water pressure, freezing temperatures, or even roots from nearby trees pressing on underground lines. Over time, the joints and seals can also loosen and allow water to escape.

2. How can I tell if I have a leaking pipe in my home?

You may notice wet marks on walls or ceilings, paint starting to bubble or peel, moldy smells, or a sudden rise in your water bill. Another clue is reduced water flow from taps, or hearing water trickling when no tap is open.

3. Is it possible to fix a leaking pipe myself?

Yes, small leaks can often be managed with simple DIY methods. Products like silicone repair tape, waterproof rubber tape, or epoxy wraps can quickly seal the leak. For hidden or badly damaged pipes, it’s safer to get professional help.

4. What’s the fastest temporary fix for a leaking pipe?

The quickest way is to shut off the water supply and wrap self-fusing silicone tape or a rubberized tape like Flex Tape tightly over the damaged spot. This creates a strong seal until a plumber can do a permanent repair.

5. Do leaking pipes always need replacement?

Not always. Small drips at joints can usually be sealed with PTFE (Teflon) tape or joint sealant. Cracks can often be controlled with epoxy-based wraps. A full replacement is needed only if the pipe is too old, rusted, or broken in multiple places.

6. Which tape is best for fixing leaking pipes?

• Silicone Repair Tape (Rescue Tape, X-Treme Tape) – Best for emergency fixes, even on wet pipes.
• Rubberized Waterproof Tape (Flex Tape, Gorilla Patch & Seal) – Ideal for outdoor or PVC pipes.
• PTFE Thread Seal Tape (Oatey, Dixon) – Perfect for threaded joints and fittings.
• Epoxy Repair Wraps (FiberFix, Gorilla Wrap) – Strong solution for larger cracks.

7. How can I prevent leaking pipes in the future?

• Check pipes for rust, cracks, or damp spots regularly.
• Don’t set water pressure too high.
• Insulate pipes during cold months to stop freezing and bursting.
• Keep drains clear to prevent extra pressure from clogs.
• Replace very old pipes before they fail.