how to patch a leaky pipe with bicycle tube and clamp

How to Patch a Leaky Pipe (with a Rubber Bicycle Tube!)

The ultimate cure for a leaking pipe is a replacement. But I’m going to show you how to patch a leaky pipe temporarily using just a rubber bicycle tube and a clamp.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

  • 1/16-inch-thick sheet of neoprene or rubber bicycle tube
  • Sleeve clamp or hose clamp (you might want as many as 3 depending on the size of the patch)
  • Tape measure
  • Flat mill file
  • Scissors
  • Screwdriver
how to patch a leaky pipe - measure outside diameter
You’ll need a tape measure (or ruler) to measure the outside diameter of the pipe. Don’t worry about the inside diameter.

How to Patch a Leaky Pipe in 7 Steps

Let’s face it, replacement — although by far the best and recommended solution — can be inconvenient at the time of a leak. Your first job in a plumbing emergency is to stop the leak. Then repair it.

But if replacement isn’t a possibility, you can patch the pipe as if it were a bicycle tube. In fact, a good temporary patch for a small leak can last for a couple of years if done well. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Turn off the water supply shutoff valve. It’s located (usually in the basement or a utility closet, next to a water meter).
  2. Determine whether the leak is througha split ot through a pin hole. Splits are due to the expansion of freezing water. Pinholes are due to corrosion inside the pipe.
  3. Measure the outside diameter of the pipe. Most water supply pipes wwill be one of these standard sizes: 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, or 3/4-inch.
  4. Purchase a sheet of 1/16-inch-thick neoprene or a bicycle tube patch, depending on the size of the split or hole. Also purchase either a sleep clamp or hose clamp slight larger than the diameter of the pipe. You might need to use mre than one hose clamp on large splits.
  5. If the split or hole has a rough edge, file it smooth with a flat mill file.
  6. Using scissors, cut a rubber patch about 1 inch square for a pinhole or 1 inch wider and longer than a split.
  7. Center the patch over the hole and install the clamp (or clamps if the damage is larger or longer). Tighten the clamp as tight as you can.
how to patch a leaky pipe - split copper pipe from freezing
This is what a split looks like in a copper pipe. It generally occurs from water that expands after it freezes. This puts pressure on the pipe, which eventually splits. A pinhole (seen here) generally occurs from corrosion.

Final Thoughts: How to Patch a Leaky Pipe

I bet you didn’t know that how to patch a leaky pipe was so quick and easy. The most time-consuming part of the job is running to the hardware store to buy your materials. But there’s a way around that too. Just buy them now before you have this problem.

Again, we strongly recommend you replace the damaged part. It’s the only permanent solution and guarantees no resulting water damage if the patch gives out. If you don’t feel up to that more advanced DIY task, call a trusted plumber or read our other how-to tutorials below.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if a hole or split in your pipe is causing problems.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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