Quickest Temporary Fix for a Pinhole Leak (with a Pencil or Toothpick!)

A pinhole leak doesn’t sound like much. But those who’ve had one know how much damage can be caused to walls, floors, and ceilings when they’re not repaired.

It’s important to stop the leak immediately before it causes more water damage. How is that done?

Let me show you a quick, temporary patch that’s so clever and easy it just might blow your mind. And no soldering or cutting is required!

The Quickest Way to Patch a Pinhole Leak

If you suspect a small leak in a water supply line, it’s probably a pinhole leak. And yes, it’s an emergency. These are typically caused by corrosion and eventually need to be permanently repaired by replacing the damaged section of copper or steel. But first, you want to stop the leak in its tracks. Here’s how:

1. Check the water meter. If its needle or dial is moving but no one is using water (like with a hose, faucet, toilet, shower, or appliance), then you do have a leak somewhere.
2. To locate it, look for stains on ceilings and walls. Listen carefully along supply pipes.
3. Once you’ve found it, turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valve.
4. Gain access to the leak (this is much easier, of course, if the leak is coming from a pipe that is open to you already; if not, you might want to call a plumber).
5. Here’s the clever part: grab a pencil.
6. Jam the pencil point into the hole and break it off. A wood toothpick might also work, but for galvanized steel pipes, the graphite in the pencil lead will create a better seal.
7. To secure the plug you’ve created, dry the surface of the pipe and wrap two or three layers of plastic electrical tape around the pipe for three inches on each side of the leak, overlapping each turn by half.

Can a Pinhole Leak be Patched with Sealant?

Yes, small pipe leaks can be temporarily stopped using the plumber’s epoxy putty. It won’t be nearly as quick of a fix as the pencil solution, but here’s what you would do:

• Turn off the main water shutoff valve.
• Drain the pipe of all water and make sure it has dried.
• Rough the damaged area with emery cloth.
• Take a ball of plumber’s epoxy and push it into the pinhole. Now spread it around the damaged area so it is well covered on all sides of the hole.
• Make sure it dries and cures for at least 1 hour (but read instructions on label) before testing.
• Find a plumber to make the permanent repair if you’re uncomfortable with pipe measuring, cutting, and replacement.

Final Thoughts

And that’s how you fix a pinhole leak in a copper or steel pipe.

Remember, this is a fix that’s temporary. It solves the problem of how to quickly stop a leak before it causes more damage. Don’t forget to have a plumber come out and replace the damaged section of your pipe as soon as possible.

Related Resources

• Where is my main water shutoff valve?
• How to fix a leaky pipe with a rubber bicycle tube
• How to repair a broken PVC pipe in your home
• 5 main types of plumbing pipes
• 3 types of plumbing systems in every home
• How to make an underground cast iron sewer pipe repair
• How to make a cast iron stack repair
• Do hanging pipes need to be supported?
• How to prevent burst pipes (and make your pipes last longer)

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if a pinhole leak (or any kind of plumbing pipe repair) is causing you 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.