What's actually causing this
Pipes leak at joints when thread sealant dries out, at elbows where water pressure concentrates, or anywhere corrosion has weakened the pipe wall. PVC joints also crack from freezing temperatures or physical impact.
What you'll need
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- Pipe repair clamp Shop →
- Plumber's tape (PTFE) Shop →
- Pipe cutter Shop →
- PVC cement and primer Shop →
- SharkBite push-to-connect fittings Shop →
Step-by-step fix
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1
Shut off the water supply
Turn off the main water shutoff valve. Open a faucet downstream to drain remaining pressure from the pipe.
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2
Dry the pipe completely
Use a towel and fan to dry the area around the leak. No repair compound bonds to a wet surface.
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3
Apply a pipe repair clamp (temporary)
Center the rubber gasket over the leak and tighten the clamp screws evenly. This buys time for a permanent repair.
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4
Cut out and replace the damaged section (permanent)
Cut 2 inches on either side of the damaged area using a pipe cutter. Install push-to-connect (SharkBite) couplings on each side for a no-solder permanent fix.
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5
Test under pressure
Slowly turn the water back on. Watch the repair area for 10 minutes. Check all connections for moisture.
In Seattle, tap water is very soft (20–50 ppm). Seattle's water is among the softest in the U.S., sourced from Cascade Mountain snowmelt. Mineral buildup is virtually non-existent. Soft water can cause corrosion in older copper piping. Many homes use well water in surrounding areas, which can have iron and sediment.
Plumbers in Seattle typically charge $120–190/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Washington requires state licensing. Homeowner exemptions exist for owner-occupied single-family homes. Seattle requires permits and inspections.
Majority post-1960s construction. Copper is standard. Many homes have PEX. Soft water means corrosion is less of a concern than hard water metros. However, old copper piping may have pin-holing. Basement water intrusion is common due to high rainfall. Many homes have sump pumps.
Freeze risk in Seattle is minimal — hard freezes are rare. Pipe insulation is generally not a concern, though occasional cold snaps can surprise under-prepared homes.
DIY in Seattle: Seattle's moderate licensing and environmental focus create a fairly DIY-friendly environment for homeowners. Many people handle minor plumbing and electrical work. Moisture management, mold prevention, and basement waterproofing are common DIY focuses.
- The leak is inside a wall or ceiling — accessing it requires opening drywall.
- The pipe is corroded or crumbling — a section repair won't solve systemic corrosion.
- You can hear running water but can't locate the source.
- The pipe is part of a gas line — never attempt gas line repairs yourself.
Let Uncle AI diagnose it first.
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