How To Repair a Water Leak

A water leak can begin as a small drip and quickly become a major household problem. Whether it appears under a sink, behind a wall, beneath flooring, or outside near your water meter, even a small amount of unwanted water can damage structural timber, plasterboard, insulation, cabinetry and electrical systems. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a major difference in how much damage occurs and how costly the final repair will be.

This expanded guide explains the practical steps you can take, the tools you can use, what signs to look for, and when to call a licensed plumber for a permanent fix. Hydrocove Plumbing services residential and commercial properties across Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast and surrounding regions, providing reliable repairs and transparent advice.

What To Do As Soon As You Notice a Leak

1. Identify the Source of the Leak

Finding the exact location of the leak is the most important first step.

Look for obvious signs

• Dripping from a tap connection or visible pipe
• Water pooling under a sink
• Moisture around the toilet base
• Damp patches on plaster, bubbling paint, or swollen skirting

Check less obvious areas

• Listen for hissing or trickling behind a wall
• Inspect ceilings for sagging or discolouration
• Check the hot water system for slow leaks at valves or fittings
• Inspect near appliances like dishwashers, fridges with water lines or washing machines

Tip: If the leak is hidden behind a wall or under a slab, specialised equipment such as acoustic leak detection or thermal imaging may be needed. Hydrocove Plumbing can handle this type of detection safely.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

Once you’ve found the general location of the leak, prevent any further damage.

Locate the main water shut-off valve
 This is usually:

• Near the water meter (front boundary of your property)
• Near the hot water unit (for hot-water–only issues)

Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow completely.

Drain the system

• Turn on indoor taps
• Open an outdoor tap to release pressure
• Flush toilets to empty cisterns

This step reduces ongoing water loss and helps you safely work on the affected area.

Temporary Fixes You Can Apply Yourself

These temporary fixes are common homeowner solutions that buy you time before the plumber arrives. They are not permanent repairs, but they prevent additional water damage.

3. Applying Epoxy Putty to Small Leaks

Epoxy putty is suitable for very small leaks in copper, PVC or PEX pipes.

How to apply it effectively

1. Clean the pipe thoroughly. Remove dirt, rust, limescale and moisture.
2. Knead the putty until the colour is uniform.
3. Press it firmly over the leak and shape it around the pipe.
4. Allow it to cure fully before turning the water back on.

Limitations: Putty can crack over time. It works only on small pinholes and hairline splits.

4. Tighten Leaking Pipe Joints

If the leak is coming from a joint or threaded connection, it may simply be loose.

Steps

• Use an adjustable wrench to turn the joint gently but firmly.
• Avoid over-tightening as this may crack fittings or PVC connections.
• Check the washers and O-rings if the connection still leaks.

If dripping continues, the joint may be damaged internally and will need replacing.

5. Using Rubber and Hose Clamps for Larger Splits

For a split pipe or a larger leak, a simple temporary patch can reduce water loss.

How to apply

1. Cut a piece of thick rubber (from an old hose or rubber sheeting).
2. Place it over the leak.
3. Use two hose clamps to secure it firmly on each side.
4. Tighten until the rubber compresses and slows the water.

This method stabilises water flow but should not be relied on for long-term use.

Additional Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak

Hidden leaks can continue for months before showing obvious signs. Knowing what to look for helps you catch issues earlier.

• Sudden increase in water bills
• Unusual damp smell or mould spots
• Warm areas on the floor (possible hot-water pipe leak)
• Unexplained cracks in walls
• Constant sound of running water even when taps are closed
• Puddles appearing outside near the water meter

Hydrocove Plumbing frequently handles hidden leak investigations for homes where leaks have caused slow, long-term structural deterioration. For more guidance on household water usage and leak responsibilities, you can refer to the Australian Government water efficiency information.

Why Water Leaks Happen

Understanding the cause helps prevent future issues:

Common causes include:

• Ageing or corroded pipes
• High water pressure damaging joints
• Poor installation work from previous repairs
• Pipe movement due to soil shifting or house settling
• Blocked drains causing pressure build-up
• Hot water system failure
• Tree roots damaging underground pipes

Hydrocove can diagnose these issues and recommend preventative solutions.

When You Should Call a Professional Plumber

Some leak situations require immediate professional attention:

• Pipe bursts with continuous water flow
• Leaks inside walls, ceilings or under slabs
• Damaged or corroded copper pipe sections
• Leaks near electrical wiring
• Sewer pipe leaks or wet patches near drains
• Repeated leaks at the same spot
• Water pressure irregularities
• A drop in hot water performance

Licensed plumbers use pressure testing, camera inspections, moisture meters and specialised detection tools to locate leaks without unnecessary wall or floor damage.

Permanent Leak Repair Options Professionals Provide

Depending on the issue, plumbers may use:

• Pipe section replacement
• Joint and fitting replacement
• Re-running new water lines
• Pipe re-sealing
• Valve replacement
• Leak detection and pressure testing
• Hot water system repairs
• CCTV drain inspection for underground leaks

Hydrocove Plumbing prioritises solutions that reduce return issues and improve the long-term performance of your plumbing system.

How Hydrocove Plumbing Helps Homeowners

Hydrocove Plumbing provides leak detection and leak repairs across Brisbane, Redland City, Logan, the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. They handle residential, commercial and industrial plumbing with a focus on practical solutions and honest communication.

Their services include:

• Emergency leak repairs
• Burst pipe response
• Hot water system repairs
• Blocked drain solutions
• Tap, toilet and fixture repairs
• Water pressure testing
• Roof and gutter leak investigations

With years of experience across large-scale and domestic plumbing, the Hydrocove team understands how to repair leaks efficiently while preventing future issues.

Final Advice for Homeowners

Water leaks can escalate quickly. The earlier you detect and respond to them, the less damage occurs. Temporary homeowner fixes are sometimes enough to prevent further water loss, but a permanent solution will always require professional plumbing work.

If you suspect a leak or discover signs of water damage, Hydrocove Plumbing can inspect, diagnose and repair the issue to restore safety and function to your home.