Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes
A slow drip under the sink or a pinhole in a copper line can turn into a soaked cabinet fast. Here is how to stop a water leak with pipe putty or epoxy, when DIY is safe, and when to call a pro. Follow these steps for a clean, lasting patch, and learn what to do if the leak points to a larger problem in your drain or main line. If you need help today, call (801) 852-5651.
Before You Start: Safety First and When to Call a Pro
Small weeps on exposed pipes are fair game for DIY. Pressurized sprays, active flooding, or hidden leaks inside walls need a pro. If you cannot shut water off at a fixture or the main, stop and call.
Do this before any repair:
- Turn off the water. Use the local stop valve. If that fails, shut the main at the meter or house valve.
- Relieve pressure. Open a nearby faucet to drain the line.
- Dry the pipe completely. Epoxy and putty only bond to clean, dry surfaces.
- Ventilate the area. Some products have a mild odor while curing.
In Utah County, crawl spaces and garages get cold. If a pipe froze, do not heat it with an open flame. Thaw slowly with warm air and inspect for splits along the pipe.
Pipe Putty vs Epoxy: What Works Where
Pipe putty and epoxy both seal small leaks, but they are not the same.
- Epoxy putty stick
- Two parts you knead by hand.
- Cures into a hard, sandable patch.
- Great for pinholes, small cracks, and around fittings on copper, brass, PVC, CPVC, and some PEX fittings.
- Two part liquid epoxy
- Resin and hardener mixed in a cup.
- Flows into hairline gaps and wraps with fiberglass mesh for added strength.
- Better for slightly larger surface cracks and odd shapes.
- Pipe thread sealant or PTFE tape
- Not a leak patch. Use when rebuilding threaded joints after the repair.
Use epoxy as a temporary or semi permanent fix on supply lines you can depressurize during cure. For drain lines, epoxy can be a long lasting fix if the pipe is sound and the area is prepped well.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
- Epoxy putty stick or two part liquid epoxy rated for potable water and your pipe type
- Emery cloth or 120 to 220 grit sandpaper
- Wire brush for metal, or Scotch Brite pad for plastic
- Isopropyl alcohol or acetone for final wipe
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Nitrile gloves and eye protection
- Utility knife
- Fiberglass mesh wrap if using liquid epoxy
Optional but helpful:
- Hose clamps and a rubber patch for quick containment.
- A small fan to speed drying before application.
Step by Step: Stop a Small Leak With Epoxy Putty
- Kill water and relieve pressure. Verify the drip stops.
- Mark the exact leak point with a sharpie.
- Prepare the surface. Use emery cloth to scuff a 1 to 2 inch area around the leak. Remove corrosion and loose paint. The goal is bright, clean metal or clean plastic.
- Degrease. Wipe with alcohol or acetone, then keep it dry.
- Cut the needed amount of putty. With gloves on, knead until the color is uniform. Warm hands help blend faster.
- Apply immediately. Press putty firmly into the hole and form a band around the pipe. Feather the edges thin and smooth for a better bond.
- Shape and secure. For weeping joints, form a fillet around the fitting. You can add a temporary wrap of tape to hold shape while it sets.
- Let it cure fully. Follow the label. Many putties set in 10 minutes and cure in 1 hour. Cold garages in Provo or Orem can slow cure times.
- Restore water slowly. Crack the valve and watch for beads. If dry, open fully and recheck in 30 minutes.
Pro tip: A second thin layer after the first cure can improve strength if space allows.
Step by Step: Patch a Leak With Two Part Liquid Epoxy
Use when you need more coverage or plan to add fiberglass reinforcement.
- Shut water off and drain the line.
- Scuff and clean a 2 to 3 inch band around the damage. Dry thoroughly.
- Mix resin and hardener per instructions. Only mix what you can apply in the working time.
- Brush a thin coat over the leak zone.
- Wrap fiberglass mesh tightly around the pipe, overlapping half the width each turn.
- Saturate the mesh with more epoxy until it turns glossy and fully wet out.
- Smooth drips and feather the edges.
- Allow the full cure. This can range from 1 to 24 hours. Cooler basements slow the process.
- Pressurize slowly and inspect. If any seep shows, add a second coat and allow another full cure.
Quick Containment if You Cannot Fully Dry the Pipe
Sometimes a slow weep makes drying tough.
- Use a rubber patch and two hose clamps to stop the water so you can prep correctly.
- For drains, a temporary no hub coupling can bridge a cracked section until a permanent fix.
- Plumbers tape or self fusing silicone tape can compress a pinhole for a short time. It is not a final repair.
Contain, then do the proper epoxy bond on a dry, scuffed surface.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping surface prep
- Biggest failure cause. Smooth, dirty, or oxidized surfaces will not hold a patch.
- Rushing the cure
- Opening water early can blow the bond. Wait the full cure time.
- Using the wrong product on hot lines
- Verify the temperature rating if patching a hot water line.
- Patching active sprays
- High pressure leaks often need a section replacement, not a patch.
- Ignoring corrosion
- Green or pitted copper often means more pinholes are coming. Plan a repipe section.
When Epoxy Is Not Enough: Permanent Solutions We Offer
DIY patches have limits. If the leak keeps returning, or if you see staining on walls or ceilings, schedule a diagnostic. Our team uses camera inspections to find the true source and the extent of damage.
For underground or hard to access lines, we specialize in trenchless options:
- Sewer pipe lining with UV cured CIPP
- We use the Bluelight UV system by HammerHead. The liner can be inspected internally before curing with the camera built into the head. UV curing is fast and controlled, which reduces surprises and downtime.
- Pipe bursting for failed or collapsed lines
- We break apart the old pipe and pull a new pipe of the same or larger diameter in its place. Yards, driveways, and sidewalks stay intact.
If you have a main water line leak in a yard from Santaquin to Pleasant Grove, pipe bursting or traditional replacement may be the right long term fix. We will explain options and pricing up front so there are no surprises.
How We Diagnose Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks waste water and can damage framing. Our process sets the fix up for success.
- Video camera inspections
- We record before and after footage so you see what we see. This confirms the problem and proves the repair.
- Moisture mapping and thermal checks
- Helps find damp areas behind finishes without large demo.
- Pressure tests by zone
- Isolate fixtures to pinpoint the line at fault.
Two hard facts that protect you:
- In Utah, plumbing work requires licensing under Utah Administrative Code R156 55c. Our plumbers carry active Utah Journeyman licenses.
- We back repairs with a 1 year repair warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Hydro jet, mainline, and standard drain cleanings include specific 30 day guarantees.
Prevent Future Leaks: Maintenance Checklist for Utah Homes
Hard water along the Wasatch Front is tough on fixtures and heaters. Seasonal swings in Springville and Mapleton add stress to pipes. Stay ahead with this quick plan.
- Inspect under sinks every month. Look for green staining, white crust, or damp wood.
- Exercise shutoff valves twice a year so they do not seize.
- Replace braided supply lines every 5 to 7 years. Use stainless braided lines with metal nuts.
- Strap and insulate pipes in unheated spaces. Pay attention to garage and crawl space runs.
- Flush water heaters annually. Sediment can raise pressure and temperature swings.
- Schedule a camera inspection if you have recurring backups or gurgling drains.
- Enroll in a maintenance plan. Our Plumbing Wellness Program includes routine checks like water heater inspections and can catch leaks early.
Cost, Warranty, and Financing in Utah County
Most epoxy or putty DIY patches cost a few dollars and some time. When a line needs professional repair, we provide set pricing before work starts. No surprise hourly charges.
- Typical same day fixes
- Angle stop replacement, supply line changes, trap repairs, and small section cut and replace.
- Larger projects
- Main water line leaks, sewer repairs, and trenchless lining or pipe bursting.
We offer financing for bigger jobs. Every repair includes our 1 year repair warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Drain cleaning services include 30 day guarantees. Ask how our VIP style program can add priority scheduling and savings for your home or business.
DIY or Pro: How to Decide in the Moment
Choose DIY if:
- The leak is a slow weep and you can shut water off.
- The damaged area is visible and reachable.
- You have time to prep and let the epoxy cure fully.
Call a pro if:
- You see a spray, bulge, or split pipe.
- You find wet spots but cannot see the leak.
- There are repeated leaks on the same line.
- You suspect sewer odors, foundation seepage, or slab leaks.
Either way, act fast. Water damage compounds by the hour. Our team can help today in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and nearby.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"I have used Erics plumbing twice now and both have been fantastic experiences... timely, professional, and helpful... I will continue to turn to them for all my plumbing needs." –Andy E., Leak Detection
"After doing a yearly check, a large leak was found under my sink... Chris quickly identified the leak and took care of all the details... stopped all future damage." –Rebekah L., Under Sink Leak Repair
"Richie helped us out today with great professionalism. He found the issue same day, and fixed it very efficiently." –Jessica F., Same Day Leak Repair
"We had a recurring water leak, after several failed attempts by other plumbers, Eric's team was able to correctly diagnose the problem and fix it." –Wendy O., Provo
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does epoxy putty take to cure before I can turn the water back on?
Most putties set in 10 to 20 minutes and cure in about 1 hour. Cold spaces slow this down. Always follow the label and pressurize slowly.
Will epoxy or putty work on PEX?
You can patch around a PEX fitting in a pinch. Direct patches on PEX tubing are not reliable. Cut and replace that section when possible.
Can I use epoxy on a hot water line?
Yes, if the product rating matches your water temperature. Check the label for hot water approval and maximum temperature.
Is epoxy a permanent fix for drain pipes?
It can be long lasting on sound PVC or ABS if you prep correctly. Crushed, sagging, or root filled drains need repair or lining.
How do I know if I need trenchless repair instead of a patch?
Recurring backups, offsets on camera, or collapsed sections point to lining or pipe bursting. A video inspection confirms the best option.
In Summary
You can stop a small leak with pipe putty or epoxy by shutting water off, scuffing the surface, and letting the repair cure fully. For spreading damage or hidden leaks, call Eric's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. We serve Provo and nearby cities with licensed techs, documented camera inspections, set pricing, and trenchless options when needed.
Ready to Stop the Leak Now?
- Call: (801) 852-5651
- Schedule: https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/
Need a permanent fix after your temporary patch? Ask about UV cured lining and our 1 year repair warranty. We are ready to help today.
Talk to a Leak Specialist Today
Call (801) 852-5651 or visit https://ericsplumbinganddrain.com/ to book service in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and beyond. Get upfront pricing, video documented results, and repairs backed by our 1 year warranty and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
About Eric's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
Local, family owned, and serving Utah County for over 25 years. Our licensed Journeyman plumbers deliver set pricing, fast response, and clean workmanship. We back repairs with a 1‑year warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. For underground issues, we offer trenchless lining and pipe bursting to protect your landscaping. Trusted by homeowners and businesses across Provo, Orem, and nearby cities.