How to Fix a Leaking Pipe
A leaking pipe can appear without warning and cause damage quickly if left untreated. While some leaks need a qualified plumber, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the water flow and protect your home. This guide explains how to fix a leaking pipe temporarily and when to call an expert for a full repair.
Heppelthwaite – The Red Van Plumbers cover a large part of South East England. If you can’t fix it yourself, please contact us for professional plumbing or heating services.
Before You Start: Stay Safe
Small drips are usually safe to inspect. However, stop immediately and call a professional if:
- Water is leaking near electrical points
- The pipe has split or water is flowing rapidly
- You smell damp burning or notice heat damage
If you are unsure, turn off your mains water and speak to a plumber. Call us on 01628 533 550 or message us.
Step 1: Turn Off the Mains Water Valve
The first step is to isolate the water supply. Turning off the main stop tap stops fresh water entering the system. You will usually find the valve:
- Under the kitchen sink
- Near the water meter
- In a utility cupboard
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops or just press the switch if you use SureStop.
Step 2: Open Your Taps to Drain the System
Once the mains is off, open the taps around your home. This drains the remaining water from the pipework. The dripping will slow and often stop shortly after the system empties.
Step 3: Use Plumber’s Epoxy Putty for a Temporary Fix
Epoxy putty is a useful emergency product to keep at home. It can seal small leaks for a short period while you wait for a professional repair.
How to prepare the epoxy:
- Tear off the required amount
- Warm and soften it by kneading
- Mix until the colour is even
How to apply it:
- Press the epoxy firmly over the leaking area
- Extend the patch beyond the hole to create a seal
- Smooth and mould it around the pipe
If the leak is at a joint, it may take extra shaping for a secure hold.
Step 4: Allow the Epoxy to Harden
Most plumber’s epoxy hardens within a few minutes. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the exact curing time.
When the putty feels firm, turn the mains water back on slowly. Keep your taps open as the water flows through the pipes. Watch the patched area for any signs of further dripping.
What To Do If The Leak Continues
Sometimes the first patch does not seal completely. If you still see water:
- Turn off the mains again
- Dry the pipe thoroughly
- Apply extra epoxy over the patch
- Allow it to harden before testing
If the leak continues after a second attempt, the pipe may be corroded or damaged. A professional plumber will need to replace the section.
Is Epoxy a Permanent Repair For Leaks At Home?
Epoxy is only a short-term solution. It may hold for a few days, but it will not fix a damaged or ageing pipe. A leak can also indicate deeper problems such as corrosion in older pipework or pressure issues within the system.
A qualified plumber should inspect the pipe to prevent future failures.
How Surestop Helps During a Leak
During a major leak, shutting off the mains water quickly can prevent structural damage. Surestop Water Switches make this process easier by allowing you to turn off the water with a simple switch rather than a stiff or awkward stop tap.
Surestop can be helpful for homeowners, landlords and tenants, especially in emergencies. If you would like one installed, our team can supply and fit the system for you.
Interested in having this installed in your home? Contact us today.
Need a Plumber to Fix Your Leak Properly?
If you have followed the steps above and the leak has not stopped, our plumbers can help. We repair emergency leaks across Bucks, Berks, Surrey, South Oxfordshire, West London and Hertfordshire.
Call us today to book a visit or request support through our contact form. Our plumbers will help you diagnose the issue and restore your plumbing quickly and safely
> Learn more about our plumbing services.
01628 533 550
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We provide plumbing, heating and Renewable Energy services across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West London, South Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. Visit our Areas We Cover page to see if we have plumbers and engineers near you.
Office Location
Heppelthwaite – Red Van Plumbers: Unit 5, Jacksons Industrial Estate, Wessex Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5DT
Our award-winning family business has supported homes and businesses since 1948, offering professional help for both planned work and emergency work.
PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES
Our qualified plumbers and Gas Safe registered engineers install, repair and maintain a wide range of plumbing, heating and hot water systems. We support customers across Bucks, Berks, West London and surrounding counties with general plumbing, boiler services, central heating upgrades, bathrooms and renewable energy solutions.
General Plumbing Services
Our general plumbing services cover domestic and commercial properties throughout South East England. From leaking pipes and faulty taps to full bathroom and shower installations, our engineers work efficiently while respecting occupied homes and businesses.
Services include: Tap and shower repairs | Leak detection and repair | Pipe repairs and replacements | Mobility and assisted living | Bathroom plumbing | Toilet and shower installation | Water pressure solutions
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Our Gas Safe registered engineers service, repair and install all major boiler makes and models across Bucks, Berks & surrounding counties. Whether you need a boiler repair, annual servicing or a complete heating system replacement, we help keep properties safe, warm and energy efficient.
Services include: Boiler Installation | Annual boiler servicing | Boiler Repairs | Hot water and cylinders | Power flushing | Commercial heating systems | Underfloor Heating | Gas safety certificates | Heating controls
Renewable Energy Services
Our MCS accredited engineers help homeowners and businesses across South East England move towards renewable heating solutions. Air source heat pumps are increasingly chosen for London properties where energy efficiency improvements are planned.
We provide free consultations and quotations to assess suitability and explain grants available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Our team also installs solar PV panels, battery storage systems and biomass systems.
What makes our plumbing and heating services one of the best?
Our plumbing and heating services are built on decades of experience, reliability, and strong local connections. Established in 1948, our main office is based in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, with directly employed engineers covering Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, London, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Hampshire. Every job is carried out by our own fully qualified engineers, who arrive prepared to complete the work efficiently. Pricing is always agreed in advance, with no hidden costs, and payment is only requested once the job is complete. This professional and transparent approach has earned the trust of homeowners and businesses for over 75 years, which is reflected our five-star customer reviews.
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The Red Van Plumbers are one of the most established plumbing and heating companies in South East England. Established 1948