Commerce City Plumbing: Leak Detection & Repair Tips

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

A sudden drip under the sink or a wet spot on drywall can turn into serious damage fast. If you need to know how to fix a leaking pipe, this guide shows three reliable methods you can use today. We’ll cover exactly what to do first, the right repair for each pipe type, and when to call a pro. Denver-area readers: watch for freeze-thaw damage and hidden slab leaks common on the Front Range.

Safety First: What To Do Before Any Pipe Repair

Water damage escalates quickly, so act in this order:

1. Shut off water.
2. • Use the nearest fixture shutoff for sinks, toilets, or appliances.
   • If water keeps flowing, locate the main shutoff valve. In many Denver-area homes, it is on the basement wall where the main line enters or in a ground box near the curb.
2. Relieve pressure by opening a nearby faucet.
3. Protect the area.
4. • Move electronics and valuables.
   • Lay towels and a bucket under the leak.
4. Confirm pipe material.
5. • Common in our area: copper, PEX, and PVC/CPVC. The method you choose must match the material.
5. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets.

Front Range tip: Rapid freeze-thaw swings can split copper and weaken fittings. A pinhole today can become a burst line after the next cold snap.

Method 1: Repair Clamp for Fast, Temporary Control

A stainless-steel clamp with a rubber gasket is the quickest way to stop an active drip on copper, PVC/CPVC, or galvanized lines.

When to use it

• Small pinholes or hairline cracks
• Drips on straight pipe sections
• As a stopgap while you schedule a permanent fix

Steps

1. Dry the pipe and lightly sand to remove oxidation or roughness.
2. Center the gasket over the hole.
3. Wrap the clamp and tighten evenly on both sides.
4. Restore water slowly, check for seepage, and retighten if needed.

Pros

• Works fast with minimal tools
• Effective on wet pipes

Cons

• Temporary by design
• May weep if installed over pitted or badly corroded pipe

Common mistakes

• Using a clamp on a split that runs to a fitting. Replace the section instead.
• Over-tightening and deforming thin-wall copper.

Method 2: Epoxy Putty for Pinholes and Threaded Joints

Two-part epoxy putty is useful on copper, brass, PVC/CPVC, and some steel fittings. It cures to a hard patch that can bridge a pinhole or stabilize a weeping joint.

When to use it

• Pinhole leaks, small weeping seams, or slow drips at threaded joints
• When water can be fully shut off for 1 to 2 hours of cure time

Steps

1. Clean and dry the area. Lightly abrade for better adhesion.
2. Knead equal parts of epoxy until uniform in color.
3. Press firmly over the leak, feathering the edges.
4. Wait for initial set per the package (often 5 to 10 minutes), then allow full cure before pressurizing.

Pros

• Inexpensive and widely available
• Good for irregular surfaces

Cons

• Not ideal for long cracks or high movement areas
• Some products are not potable-water rated. Check the label.

Pro tip

• For PVC/CPVC, a true solvent-welded repair is stronger. Use epoxy only to stabilize an emergency until you can cut and replace.

Method 3: Cut and Replace With a Coupling (Permanent)

The most durable fix removes the damaged section and installs a new piece using the correct coupling for your pipe type.

Options by material

• Copper: Sweat-soldered coupling or push-to-connect coupling
• PEX: Barbed fittings with crimp/clamp rings or push-to-connect
• PVC/CPVC: Solvent-welded couplings or a slip fix coupling

General steps

1. Mark and cut at least 1 inch beyond visible damage on each side.
2. Deburr the cut ends.
3. Dry fit the new piece and coupling to confirm length and alignment.
4. Install according to the material method below.

Copper: Sweat or Push-to-Connect

• Sweat soldering
• 1. Clean pipe and fitting with emery cloth and brush.
  2. Apply flux to both surfaces.
  3. Heat the fitting evenly and feed solder until a shiny ring forms.
  4. Cool naturally and wipe residue.
• Push-to-connect
• 1. Ensure cuts are square and burr-free.
  2. Mark insertion depth using the manufacturer’s guide.
  3. Push the fitting until it seats fully; tug to check engagement.

Notes

• Do not solder near combustible framing without a heat shield and extinguisher.
• Push-to-connect is excellent for tight spaces and wet repairs.

PEX: Crimp/Clamp or Push-to-Connect

• Crimp/clamp
• 1. Slide ring on the pipe.
  2. Insert barbed fitting fully.
  3. Position ring and crimp with the correct tool. Verify with a gauge.
• Push-to-connect
• • Same steps as copper push-fit. Use a PEX stiffener if required by the brand.

PVC/CPVC: Solvent-Welded or Slip Repair

• Solvent-weld
• 1. Dry fit all parts.
  2. Primer on both socket and pipe.
  3. Apply cement, insert with a quarter-turn, and hold for 30 seconds.
• Slip repair coupling
• • Cuts in a telescoping coupler for tight spaces where you cannot move pipe ends.

Cure times

• Solvent cements and epoxies have specific cure times. Cold garages and crawlspaces in Colorado extend cure times. Read the label and wait before repressurizing.

Matching the Method to the Problem

• Slow drip on a straight run: Clamp first, then plan a cut-and-replace.
• Pinhole on aging copper with green corrosion: Replace a larger section. Corrosion clusters rarely occur alone.
• Leak at a threaded joint: Disassemble, clean, add thread sealant or tape, and reconnect. Epoxy is only a stopgap.
• Split from freeze: Replace, then add insulation and address cold-air leaks.
• Hidden moisture but no visible leak: Shut off fixtures one by one. If the meter still moves, you may have a slab or underground leak.

Tool and Material Checklist

1. Adjustable wrench, pipe cutter or PVC saw
2. Deburring tool and emery cloth
3. Flux, solder, and torch or push-to-connect fittings
4. PEX crimp tool and rings if applicable
5. PVC/CPVC primer and cement, or slip coupling
6. Repair clamp and epoxy putty for emergencies
7. Towels, bucket, safety glasses, gloves, and a fire extinguisher for soldering

Preventing the Next Leak

• Control pressure. Install or check your pressure-reducing valve if pressure exceeds 80 psi.
• Insulate vulnerable pipes in garages, crawlspaces, and exterior walls.
• Secure loose runs. Vibration and water hammer stress joints.
• Replace aging sections. If you see multiple pinholes, plan a repipe of that run.
• Schedule annual plumbing inspections. Catch small issues before they become slab or ceiling leaks.

Local insight: Expansive clay soils are common along the Front Range. Seasonal soil movement can stress underground lines and slab penetrations. Small shifts can become big leaks after a hard freeze.

When a DIY Repair Is Not Enough

Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of the following:

• Warm spots on slabs, running meter with all fixtures off, or constant foundation dampness
• Repeated pinholes in copper, blue-green staining, or severe pipe pitting
• Sewer odors, slow drains, or gurgling that point to a cracked sewer line
• Leaks in finished ceilings or behind tiled walls

What a pro will do

• Perform video camera inspection on drain/sewer lines to pinpoint breaks or blockages
• Pressure testing for water lines and isolation of fixture branches
• Slab leak detection with acoustic and thermal tools
• Targeted excavation with the smallest possible footprint
• Trenchless repair options to minimize yard or hardscape disruption

Cost, Warranty, and Insurance Basics

• DIY materials: $15 to $60 for a clamp or epoxy, $20 to $75 per push-to-connect fitting, $10 to $25 for PVC couplers and cement.
• Professional service: Pricing varies by access, materials, and method. Expect diagnostic fees to apply, often credited to the repair.
• Warranties: Reputable companies provide workmanship and parts warranties. Always get details in writing.
• Insurance: Sudden and accidental water damage may be covered. Gradual leaks or neglected maintenance usually are not. Photograph the area before and after repair.

Why Denver Homeowners Choose a Pro for Leak Detection

• Speed and certainty. Advanced acoustic, thermal, and camera tools shorten the hunt and limit demolition.
• Minimal disruption. Trenchless methods can fix underground leaks without tearing up your whole yard.
• Compliance and safety. Licensed, insured technicians protect your home and align with local code.
• One-and-done repairs. Correct materials and methods stop repeat leaks.

Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric uses state-of-the-art leak detection to find and fix visible and hidden leaks quickly. We offer slab leak detection, video camera inspections, targeted excavation, and trenchless options. Our in-house, licensed team provides 24/7 emergency response, transparent pricing, and financing options for larger projects.

Step-by-Step: Quick Reference for Each Method

1. Clamp method
2. • Shut off water and dry the area
   • Center gasket over leak and tighten clamp evenly
   • Restore water slowly and check for weeping
2. Epoxy method
3. • Clean, dry, and abrade
   • Mix and apply epoxy, feather edges
   • Allow full cure before turning water back on
3. Cut-and-replace method
4. • Cut beyond damage and deburr
   • Install correct coupling for the material
   • Follow proper solder, crimp, push-fit, or solvent-weld process

Pro Care That Goes Beyond the Repair

If your leak ties back to root causes, fix those too:

• High static pressure that stresses fittings
• Old shutoff valves that seize during emergencies
• Root intrusion in sewer lines creating backups and leaks
• Poor slope or hanger spacing causing vibration and joint fatigue

Brothers can pair leak repair with pressure regulation, repiping, hydro-jetting, or backflow prevention to stop repeat issues at the source.

Denver-Area Availability

We serve Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, Longmont, and Highlands Ranch. Same-day service is often available, and emergency crews are on call 24/7.

Membership Perks: Home Care Club

Members receive free annual plumbing, HVAC, and electrical inspections, priority scheduling, and discounted repair pricing. It is a smart way to monitor small leaks before they become insurance claims.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"I had contacted Brothers to locate and repair a water leak in my home. Manny, the service representative assigned to this job, quickly diagnosed and fixed the source of the leak. Manny arrived on schedule and was very friendly and professional. I was very satisfied with the work performed."
–Justin S., Leak Repair

"jeff did a great job. Glad he was able to diagnose my shower leak situation and fixed it the same day! Really appreciate the professionalism."
–Roxanne B., Shower Leak Repair

"Jake from Brothers Plumbing was a godsend! He jumped right in, diagnosed the problem and figured out the gameplan, all while doing an excellent job of explaining everything to me. This was a very longstanding intermittent leak issue that I am SO THANKFUL to finally have resolved!... I feel very confident that with Jake's superior work he did for me today this leak issue is a thing of the past"
–Karla H., Leak Detection & Repair

"We had a leak in our Sprinkler system. Daniel and Sergio showed up at the front end of my service window. Both were professional in not only their appearance but in their equipment and knowledge. They ran the system, found the leak and not only repaired it but Daniel and Sergio explained and educated us on what they were doing. Tested the system after the repair and cleaned up."
–Tim D., Sprinkler Leak Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a hidden leak?

Watch for warm slab spots, a spinning water meter with all fixtures off, musty odors, wall bubbles, or an unexplained spike in the water bill.

Can I use a push-to-connect fitting on copper, PEX, and CPVC?

Yes. Many push-to-connect fittings are rated for all three. Cut square, deburr, mark insertion depth, and fully seat the fitting.

How long does epoxy putty need to cure?

Most set in 5 to 10 minutes and cure within 1 to 2 hours. Cold spaces slow curing. Check your specific product label.

When should I replace pipe instead of patching it?

If you see multiple pinholes, heavy corrosion, or a freeze split, replace the section. Patches are temporary and can fail under pressure.

Do trenchless repairs really avoid digging up my yard?

Often, yes. Trenchless methods allow repair or replacement of underground lines through small access points, which reduces disruption and time.

In Summary

You can fix a leaking pipe fast with a repair clamp or epoxy, then plan a permanent cut-and-replace. For hidden or slab leaks, professional detection saves time and prevents damage. If you are searching how to fix a leaking pipe in Denver or nearby, our licensed team is ready to help with same-day service.

Ready for Help?

Call Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric at (720) 994-7055 or schedule at https://www.brothersplumbing.com/.

• 24/7 emergency leak response
• Advanced video inspection and slab leak detection
• Trenchless options to minimize yard damage
• Home Care Club: free annual inspections, priority scheduling, and repair discounts

Serving Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, Longmont, and Highlands Ranch. Get your leak fixed right the first time.

About Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric

For over 40 years, Denver homeowners have trusted Brothers for licensed, insured plumbing repairs with transparent pricing and a 100% satisfaction promise. We are BBB accredited and offer 24/7 emergency service, in-house technicians, advanced video inspection, and trenchless options. Join our Home Care Club for free annual inspections, priority scheduling, and discounted repairs.