Close the nearest valve
Sinks and toilets have small shutoff valves underneath. If the leak is on a main pipe, close the main valve where water enters the building.
Pipe leaking inside the walls, ceiling or under a sink?
A leaking pipe is smaller than a burst pipe but does the same damage over time: rotted subfloors, ruined drywall and mold. Close the nearest valve, catch the water, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent plumber does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for a dripping or seeping pipe, a wet cabinet under a sink, a damp wall or ceiling spot, or a pipe joint that weeps.
Is this urgent?Urgent if water is spreading, reaching electrical items or dripping through a ceiling. A spraying pipe is a burst pipe.
What do I do next?Close the fixture valve or the main valve, then call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and where the leak is.
Leak in the slab or under the floor: slab leak repair. Leak before the meter or in the yard: main water line repair.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Stop it and contain it
Catch and dry
Put a bucket or pan under the drip and dry the cabinet floor or ceiling area so it does not soak in further.
Turn off power nearby
If water is reaching a light, outlet or appliance, switch off that circuit at the panel from a dry spot.
Hidden leaks do the most damage
A small leak inside a wall can run for weeks before it shows. Bubbling paint, a musty smell, a warm or soft floor, or a water bill that jumps are signs. If you see a ceiling sag, keep people out from under it.
Where pipes usually leak
Under sinks
Supply lines, shutoff valves and drain traps. See faucet and fixture leaks.
Inside walls and ceilings
Pinhole leaks in copper, failed fittings, or nail punctures from renovations.
Water heater connections
Fittings at the top of the tank. See water heater repair.
Appliance hoses
Washer, dishwasher and fridge lines. See appliance leaks.
Repair the pipe, then dry the area
Plumber
Locates the leak, repairs or replaces the pipe or fitting, and checks the line under pressure.
Drying
Wet cabinets, drywall and flooring may need professional drying. U.S. EPA guidance is to dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. See water damage restoration.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Where the water is showing
- Whether you shut off a valve
- How long it has been leaking
- Pipe type if visible: copper, PEX or galvanized
- Any water near electrical equipment
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles leaking pipe repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Leaking pipe questions
How do I find a hidden pipe leak?
Turn off every faucet and water appliance, then watch the water meter. If it still moves, water is leaking somewhere. A plumber can pinpoint it with listening and moisture tools.
Can a small leak wait?
A slow drip under a sink can usually wait for a scheduled visit if it is contained. Leaks inside walls, ceilings or floors should be fixed quickly to avoid rot and mold.
Can I call about a leak at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Can I use pipe tape or a clamp?
A repair clamp can slow a leak temporarily. It is not a permanent fix, especially on pressurized lines.
Why do copper pipes get pinhole leaks?
Water chemistry, age and corrosion can wear through copper from the inside. Several pinhole leaks may mean a larger section needs replacing.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.