Water Leak Solutions: Quick Fixes & Ways to Prevent Them

Water leaks can cause big headaches for property managers. Even a small leak can waste gallons of water, push your utility bills higher, and damage your property. The longer you wait to fix a leak, the worse things can get.

If you know how to spot leaks early and choose the right fix, you can avoid major problems and costly repairs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best water leak solutions—from finding hidden leaks to choosing the right repair method.

Why Are Plumbing Leaks a Big Deal?

Plumbing leaks might seem small at first, but they can cause serious problems if you don't fix them quickly. Here's why addressing leaks early is so important:

Increased water bills – A slow leak can waste a surprising amount of water. Even a small drip adds up over time, which can cost a lot of money for you.
Mold growth – Damp areas from leaks create the perfect space for mold to grow, which can lead to musty odors and even health concerns.
Structural damage – Water that seeps into walls, ceilings, or floors can weaken the structure. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs.
Electrical risks – If water leaks near wiring or outlets, it can cause electrical shorts or even fires. This is especially dangerous in older buildings.

Water Leak Solutions: 5 Quick Fixes

When you spot a leak, acting fast can prevent further damage. While some leaks require professional help, there are simple fixes you can try for smaller issues.

1. Tightening Loose Fittings

Loose pipe connections are one of the most common causes of leaks. If you notice dripping near a faucet, toilet, or under a sink, the solution may be as simple as tightening the fitting.

How to tighten a loose fitting:

Use a wrench to gently tighten the connection.
Don’t overtighten—this can damage the fitting or the pipe itself.
If the leak continues, you may need to replace the washer or seal.

This method works best for leaks at visible connections like sink supply lines or outdoor spigots.

2. Using Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape)

Plumber’s tape is a quick and inexpensive fix for leaks at threaded pipe joints. It’s designed to create a watertight seal in areas like showerheads, faucets, and pipe connections.

How to use plumber’s tape:

Turn off the water supply before starting.
Unscrew the leaking joint.
Clean the threads on the pipe.
Wrap plumber’s tape tightly around the threads (two to three layers are usually enough).
Reattach the fitting and turn the water back on to check for leaks.

Plumber’s tape is a great fix for small leaks at threaded joints, but it’s not designed for cracks or major leaks.

3. Applying Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

Silicone tape is great for sealing small cracks or pinhole leaks in pipes. Unlike plumber’s tape, silicone tape bonds to itself, creating a strong, flexible seal.

How to apply silicone tape:

Turn off the water supply and dry the leaking pipe.
Stretch the tape tightly around the leak, overlapping each layer to build a strong seal.
Press the tape firmly into place and check for leaks once the water is back on.

Silicone tape works best for small leaks but isn’t a long-term fix for major pipe damage.

4. Using Epoxy Putty for Small Cracks

Epoxy putty is a fast-setting compound that hardens around leaks, creating a durable patch. It's best for sealing small cracks in pipes, fittings, or appliances.

How to apply epoxy putty:

Turn off the water supply and clean the leaking area.
Wear gloves and knead the putty until it softens.
Press the putty firmly over the leak and smooth it out.
Allow it to harden (usually takes about five to ten minutes).

Epoxy putty is a reliable short-term fix, but for larger leaks, it's best to follow up with professional repairs.

5. Patching Small Pipe Leaks With a Pipe Clamp

For small cracks or pinhole leaks in pipes, a pipe clamp can offer a fast fix.

How to use a pipe clamp:

Turn off the water supply.
Dry the leaking area and place a rubber patch over the crack.
Secure the patch in place using a pipe clamp.
Tighten the clamp until the leak stops.

Pipe clamps are often used as a temporary fix for copper or PVC pipes until a permanent repair can be made.

Note: Please remember that quick fixes can only buy you some time; you’ll still have to invest in permanent and professionally done repairs to avoid bigger problems in the future.

How to Prevent Future Water Leaks

Preventing leaks is easier—and often cheaper—than fixing them. Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep your plumbing system in good shape.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Routine inspections can help you catch small problems before they turn into major leaks. A professional plumber can spot worn seals, corroded pipes, or loose fittings that may lead to future issues.

Replace Old or Damaged Pipes

Older plumbing systems—especially those with galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes—are more likely to develop leaks. If your property is older and still has these materials, upgrading to copper or PEX piping can reduce leak risks.

Install Leak Detection Devices

Smart leak detectors are one of the best tools to catch leaks early. These devices monitor your plumbing system and alert you when they detect unusual water flow or moisture.

Leak detection devices are especially helpful in multi-unit properties where unnoticed leaks can cause extensive damage.

How DrizzleX Helps You Avoid Water Leaks

DrizzleX helps you find hidden leaks like running toilets or dripping faucets before they waste thousands of gallons of water. It also alerts you when tenants are using too much water. Buildings that install DrizzleX often cut their water bills by 25–45%.

Many buildings recover the full cost of DrizzleX within about nine months just from the water savings.

Get a quote today and start saving on your water bills!

Track Water Usage With Reports

DrizzleX gives you clear reports that show how much water your building is using. Since many people don’t realize how much water they waste, these reports can help you share helpful insights with your tenants. You’ll have clear data to show them, which can reduce waste and lower costs.

Spot Hidden Leaks Early

Leaks aren’t always easy to see. While some leaks show up during inspections, silent leaks may only reveal themselves on your water bill. DrizzleX helps you track water flow in real time, so you know when and where water is being wasted.

Get Email Alerts When Leaks Happen

When DrizzleX detects a leak, it sends you an email with all the details. The alert will tell you which apartment and fixture is causing the problem, how much water is being wasted, and how much it could cost you if it isn’t fixed. It may even suggest possible causes and solutions.

Fair Billing for Tenants

DrizzleX also makes it easy to bill tenants for their actual water use. People tend to save water when they’re responsible for the cost. With DrizzleX, you can create accurate water bills and bill tenants fairly based on their usage.

Contact us now and find out how DrizzleX can help you reduce water waste and lower your bills!

FAQs About Water Leak Solutions

What is the best thing to use for water leaks?

For minor leaks or small plumbing leaks, products like epoxy putty, self-fusing silicone tape, and plumber's tape can provide a quick and secure seal. These options are great for stopping leaks in water pipes, water heaters, or other parts of your water supply system. While these solutions work well for temporary fixes, they may not offer a permanent repair. For larger issues like a leaking pipe or water line, it's best to contact a professional plumber for proper water leak repair.

What is the best solution for water leakage?

There are several ways to manage water leaks, but one of the most effective water leak solutions is using micrometers. These devices are installed at the fixture level, measuring every drop that flows through the fixture. When combined, the micrometers create a submetering system that helps track water usage across your property. This system can help you identify leaks early, including minor leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed. Using micrometers is an effective way to prevent major water damage and manage your water supply efficiently.

Does Flex Seal really stop water leaks?

Flex Seal can stop minor leaks and provide a waterproof seal, but it's usually not a long-term solution. It works best for quick repairs on surfaces like gutters, roofs, or outdoor pipes. For plumbing leaks or a leaky pipe within your water supply system, Flex Seal and other seals like teflon tape may offer a temporary watertight seal, but a professional plumber or a proper water leak repair method is often necessary for a permanent fix.

Does homeowners insurance cover water leaks?

Homeowners insurance may cover water leaks if the damage is sudden and accidental. For example, if a water heater bursts or a water pipe breaks unexpectedly, your policy will likely cover repairs. However, insurance usually won't cover damage caused by long-term issues like neglected plumbing leaks or slow leaks that could have been prevented with maintenance. It's important to review your policy details and address potential leaks quickly to avoid costly repairs.