How to Stop Water Damage from a Pinhole Leak in Pipes

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By Donna R
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If you have discovered a drip, or God forbid, a spray from a pinhole leak in your copper pipes, use these ideas to minimize the water damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Location of shut-off valve
Plumber's phone number
A wide rubber band or balloon
Hose clamp
Plumber's tape
Temporary pipe patch kit from the hardware store

Step 1

Turn off the water coming into the house as soon as possible.

Locate your water main shutoff valve. If you have a basement, it's likely there. If not, check the inside walls near the front of the house or near the other utilities. Sometimes the handle is a lever, sometimes a turn valve.
Step 2

Drain the water all ready in your pipes.

Turn on a faucet in a sink or kitchen and drain the water standing in your pipes. This will minimize what can drip or spray out of the hole.
Step 3

Call your plumber.

Tell him you have a pinhole leak. Ask him for his specific advice on what to do until he gets there. He'll probably tell you to do the steps below.
Step 4

Stop up the hole if possible.

The easiest way is to wrap a piece of plumber's tape. If you don't have any, a something stretchy but strong, like a wide rubber band or a piece of balloon around the section with the leak will secure it in a pinch. Make sure to keep it in place with a hose clamp or a piece of cloth tied around your patch.
Step 5

Clean up the water that has leaked.

Minimize damage by drying off all wet surfaces--ceiling, walls, floor, furniture, etc. Add a wastebasket under the leaking pipe to catch residual drips and empty it as needed.
Step 6

Ask the plumber to inspect all exposed pipes for the start of other pinhole leaks.

Comments

ramblin62 said

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on 10/16/2009 Great article for how to stop water damage from a pinhole leak in pipes. All I knew was to turn off the water & call the plumber! tx.

EdenSharpe said

on 9/29/2009 godgouchi, absolutely make sure they have insurance. don't trust anything as potentially damaging as water or electricity to just anyone :)

on 9/29/2009 Great Article. One thing I would recommend, though, In this tough economy there are thousands of poeple out of work! A great number of handymen also do plumbing repairs. Just be sure they have insurance and they are lagit! Could save hundreds!