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December 17, 2025

Commerce City, CO Pipe Repair: 3 Quick Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

A sudden drip under the sink or a damp ceiling is stressful. If you’re wondering how to fix a leaking pipe, this guide shows three dependable methods you can use today. We’ll cover a fast emergency stop, a lasting section replacement, and pro trenchless solutions for hidden or underground lines. Plus, we’ll share Denver-specific tips, costs, and a limited-time savings offer you can use right now.

Before You Start: Safety, Shutoff, and Assessment

Water moves fast. Turn off the nearest fixture valve first. If the leak continues, close the main shutoff where water enters your home. Open a nearby faucet to relieve pressure. Place a bucket and towels under the leak.

Next, identify the pipe type and leak severity:

  1. Pipe materials you may see
    • Copper: rigid, often soldered joints.
    • PEX: flexible plastic, crimp or push-to-connect fittings.
    • PVC or ABS: white or black plastic, common on drains.
  2. Leak types
    • Pinholes or weeping seams on supply lines.
    • Drips at joints or valves.
    • Cracks or corrosion on drain pipes.

If you see sparking, smell gas, or water near electrical, stop and call a pro. For basement or yard leaks, note that Front Range freeze-thaw cycles and expansive soils can shift pipes, turning small leaks into big ones quickly.

Method 1: Quick Emergency Stop That Buys You Time

Use this when you need to stop water now and prevent damage while you plan a permanent fix. These solutions can last days to months, depending on conditions.

Tools and materials

  1. Self-fusing silicone tape or rubber repair tape.
  2. Epoxy putty or pipe leak putty rated for potable water.
  3. A stainless steel repair clamp or wrap-around sleeve.
  4. Sandcloth, alcohol wipes, rags, and gloves.

Steps

  1. Dry and clean the pipe. Scuff shiny copper lightly for better adhesion.
  2. For pinholes: knead epoxy putty and press firmly over the hole. Feather edges.
  3. Wrap silicone tape tightly, stretching as you go, 2–3 inches past the leak.
  4. Add a repair clamp over the patched area for extra compression.
  5. Restore water slowly and watch for weeping. Re-tighten the clamp if needed.

Pro tips

  • Silicone tape is ideal on smooth, round sections. It struggles on fittings.
  • Epoxy putty cures best on dry surfaces. Use a hair dryer to warm the area.
  • If the pipe wall is badly pitted, expect the leak to return. Plan a replacement.

When to upgrade this fix

  • The pipe is corroded on multiple sides.
  • You find green-blue stains on copper or flaking iron.
  • Water pressure surges reopen the leak.

Method 2: Replace a Damaged Section for a Lasting Repair

When a section is split, soft, or pitted, replace it. This gives you years of reliability and prevents repeat calls.

What you need

  1. Tubing cutter or PVC saw.
  2. Push-to-connect or crimp fittings for copper/PEX, or solvent weld for PVC/ABS.
  3. Deburring tool, sandcloth, primer, and cement for plastic.
  4. New pipe: copper, PEX, or PVC to match the system.

Steps for copper or PEX

  1. Shut off water and drain the line.
  2. Cut the damaged segment square and remove 1–2 inches beyond the corrosion.
  3. Deburr the cut ends. Clean copper with sandcloth.
  4. Dry fit new pipe and push-to-connect couplings. Confirm length.
  5. Install the new piece, fully seat fittings, then anchor the pipe to reduce movement.
  6. Restore water and check for 5 minutes. Wipe with tissue to catch weeping.

Steps for PVC or ABS drains

  1. Mark and cut out the bad section.
  2. Dry fit couplings and a new length. Leave 1/8 inch for expansion.
  3. Prime and cement the fittings per label. Hold for 30 seconds.
  4. Allow cure time before running water.

Pro tips

  • For tight spaces, use slim repair couplings or a slip coupling on drains.
  • Support long horizontal runs to prevent sag that can stress joints.
  • Consider upgrading old galvanized or mixed-metals that corrode each other.

Method 3: Hidden, Slab, or Yard Leaks — Professional Trenchless Options

Not every leak is in plain sight. If water stains return, drains gurgle, or the yard sinks, you likely need diagnostics and a pro fix.

How pros pinpoint the problem

  1. Video camera inspection: we locate damage and mapping in feet. You can see the condition of your line on screen.
  2. Pressure and dye testing for slab leaks.
  3. Hydro-jetting to clear roots and scale before final inspection. Unlike snaking that only opens a small channel, jetting cleans the full diameter so defects are visible.

Right fix, right place

  1. Point repair: a short liner targets a single failed section without digging.
  2. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP): a resin-soaked liner is inserted and cured, creating a new inner wall inside the old pipe.
  3. Pipe bursting: pulls a new pipe through as the old one is broken apart. Useful for collapsed clay or cast iron.
  4. Targeted excavation: for sections that cannot be lined or burst safely.

Why trenchless shines in Denver yards

  • Minimal disruption and faster turnaround reduce restoration costs.
  • Works well under driveways, patios, and mature trees.
  • Long-lasting materials and fewer seams resist future leaks.

Related upgrades

  • Backflow devices, cleanout installs, and sump solutions protect finished basements.
  • Water service replacement can boost pressure and cut leak risk.

How We Diagnose, Repair, and Prevent Repeat Leaks

Our in-house, background-checked plumbers use a simple playbook:

  1. Inspect: video, pressure, and moisture readings to find the root cause.
  2. Clean: hydro-jet to remove scale, grease, and roots so the fix lasts.
  3. Repair: choose point repair, CIPP, bursting, or replacement to fit the budget and site.
  4. Protect: add supports, arrestors, and insulation. Advise on water pressure and softening if needed.

Hard facts that protect you

  • We are BBB A+ accredited, and our company has earned Denver Post Top Workplace and 2024 Colorado Titan 100 recognition.
  • Our Home Care Club includes annual inspections for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, plus priority service and member pricing.

Local insight

  • Front Range freeze-thaw cycles expand and contract soil. That movement stresses buried lines and older joints.
  • Many pre-1970 homes still have clay or cast iron drains. These materials are prone to cracking and root intrusion.

Costs, Timelines, and Warranties in the Denver Area

Every home is different, but this guide will orient your budget.

  • Emergency stop materials: 10 to 60 dollars. Done in under one hour.
  • Section replacement above grade: 150 to 600 dollars for materials, plus labor. Often completed same day.
  • Drain cleaning with hydro-jetting: priced by access and length. Expect a fast turnaround.
  • Trenchless repairs: point repair or CIPP varies by length and access. Often finished in one to two days.
  • Buried water or sewer replacements: depends on depth, utilities, and restoration.

We provide upfront pricing before work begins. Financing is available for larger projects. Our satisfaction guarantee is simple: if you aren’t happy today, you don’t pay.

DIY vs Call a Pro: Make the Right Decision

DIY is smart when

  1. You can reach the leak safely and shut off water.
  2. The leak is a pinhole or a single fitting.
  3. You have basic tools and time for careful steps.

Call a pro when

  1. The pipe is cracked on multiple sides or the wall is soft.
  2. The leak is in a ceiling, slab, or outdoors.
  3. You see repeated clogs, gurgling, or sewer smells.
  4. There is any chance of electrical contact or gas lines nearby.

Working with a licensed team saves walls, floors, and landscaping. It also protects permits, warranties, and resale disclosures.

Homeowner Checklist: Stop Damage and Set Up a Lasting Fix

  1. Shut off water at a fixture or the main.
  2. Contain water. Move valuables and set fans.
  3. Take photos for insurance.
  4. Try Method 1 to stabilize small leaks.
  5. Book an inspection for hidden or recurring issues.
  6. Ask about trenchless options to avoid digging.
  7. Join the maintenance plan to prevent surprises next season.

Why Brothers for Pipe Repair in Denver

  • Full-service plumbing with in-house technicians. No subcontracting.
  • Video inspections, hydro-jetting, point repair, CIPP, and pipe bursting in one place.
  • 24/7 emergency response with honest, upfront pricing.
  • Award-winning local company with BBB A+ accreditation.
  • Financing options for major repairs.

Ready to stop the leak for good? We are here to help today.

Special Offer: Save on Sewer and Pipe Repairs

  • Save $50 on work performed for sewer repair in Arvada, Parker, Lakewood, Longmont, and Wheat Ridge. Expires 2025-12-31. Call (720) 994-7055 or schedule at www.brothersplumbing.com to redeem.
  • Save $30 on sewer repair in Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Parker, Longmont, Centennial, and Louisville. Many offers expire 2025-12-31. Mention the website coupon when booking.

Applies to eligible plumbing repairs. One offer per job. Ask our team to confirm the best current discount for your city.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Joe r repaired our broken septic pipe line in basement. He did a great job for a fair price. I highly recommend Joe and Brothers Judge Ed Richardson circuit judge retired" –Ed R., Pipe Repair
"Fifteen feet of old corroded iron drain pipe was preventing proper draining of my washing machine. Joe R from Brothers Plumbing cut out the old pipe and installed new plastic drain. His work is that of a perfectionist, clean, neat, and straight joints; a plumbing work of art, and no small task through a wall and floor of an old home. His work places were cleaner when he left than when he arrived. Great job!" –Pipe Repair Customer, Pipe Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I temporarily stop a small leaking pipe?

Shut off water, dry the area, and apply epoxy putty over the pinhole. Wrap self-fusing silicone tape tightly 2–3 inches past the leak, then add a repair clamp. Restore water slowly and check for weeping.

Is plumber’s tape or duct tape enough?

Thread seal tape is for threaded joints, not pipe wall leaks. Duct tape will not hold water pressure. Use silicone repair tape, epoxy putty, and a clamp to buy time, then plan a permanent repair.

Do trenchless repairs really last?

Yes. CIPP liners and point repairs are engineered for long service life when installed after proper cleaning and inspection. They reduce seams, resist corrosion, and avoid yard damage that comes with excavation.

When should I call a professional?

Call when you see multiple cracks, leaks inside walls or slabs, sewer odors, or repeat clogs. Also call if electrical or gas lines are nearby, or if you cannot fully shut off water. Safety and warranty coverage matter.

What does pipe repair cost in Denver?

Small above-grade fixes are often a few hundred dollars. Trenchless repairs or replacements vary by length, depth, and access. We give upfront pricing after inspection, with financing available for larger projects.

Conclusion

You can fix a leaking pipe with a quick emergency stop, a proper section replacement, or by using professional trenchless methods for hidden lines. If you searched how to fix a leaking pipe in Denver, you now have a safe plan and a clear next step. Call (720) 994-7055 or book at www.brothersplumbing.com. Mention our current $50 or $30 sewer repair coupons where eligible.

Ready to Stop the Leak Today?

  • Call now: (720) 994-7055
  • Book online: www.brothersplumbing.com
  • Save today: Ask for the $50 Off Work Performed offer in Arvada, Lakewood, Parker, Longmont, and Wheat Ridge or the $30 Off offer in Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Parker, Longmont, Centennial, and Louisville. Offers expire as listed on the site.

About Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric

Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric is Denver’s trusted home-service team for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. We use video inspections, hydro-jetting, and trenchless repair to solve root causes, not symptoms. We are BBB A+ accredited and a Denver Post Top Workplace. Our in-house, background-checked pros offer upfront pricing, financing options, and a simple promise: if you aren’t happy today, you don’t pay.

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