Leaking Pipe Repair in Eau Claire, WI

Call now if…

• The leak is getting faster, or a valve will not stop it
• Water is dripping through a ceiling
• Water is near outlets, cords, or appliances
• A wall or floor feels soft or has started to bulge
• The water meter moves when all water is off

Close the nearest valve or the main valve, then call (715) 000-0000.

Is a small pipe leak a big deal?

Yes, it can be. A leaking pipe is any water pipe or fitting that lets water escape, and a small one left alone often turns into a bigger repair.

A slow drip may not feel urgent. But water that keeps escaping can rot wood, stain ceilings, grow mold, and raise your water bill. Leaks inside walls and under floors are the hardest to spot, and they often do the most damage because nobody sees them for weeks.

Where do pipes usually leak?

Most home leaks start at joints and connections, where two pieces of pipe meet or a pipe meets a fixture. Check these spots first:

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, at the supply lines and the curved drain pipe
• Around the base of a toilet or at its water supply
• Behind the washing machine
• Near the water heater
• In the basement ceiling, where pipes run between the floor beams
• At joints and valves, where two pipes meet

What are the signs of a hidden leak?

Hidden leaks show up as damage before you ever see a drip: stains, soft floors, musty smells, or a water bill that climbs for no reason. Look and listen for:

• Drips or small puddles
• Water stains, bubbling paint, or peeling wallpaper
• Soft or warped flooring
• A musty smell
• A higher water bill when your water use has not changed
• Dripping or hissing sounds inside a wall

What should I do right now about a leak?

Catch the water, then stop it at the nearest shut-off valve, or at the main valve if you cannot find one. Keep water away from electrics, take a photo, and call so we can connect you with a local plumber.

1. Catch the water. Put a bucket, pan, or towel under the drip.
2. Close the nearest shut-off valve. Most sinks and toilets have a small valve under or behind them. Turn it clockwise.
3. Use the main valve if needed. If you cannot find a small valve, or the leak is getting worse, shut off the main water valve.
4. Keep water away from outlets and cords.
5. Take a photo of the leak and any damage.
6. Call us with what you found, and we will connect you with a local plumber who can trace the leak.

What happens when a plumber comes to find a leak?

The plumber traces the water back to where it starts, fixes the fitting or pipe, and tests it. Finding the source is often the longest part, because water can travel before it drips. A visit usually goes like this:

1. Questions first. The plumber asks where you noticed the water and when.
2. Finding the source. Water often shows up far from the leak, because it runs along pipes and beams before it drips. The plumber follows it back.
3. The fix. This might mean tightening or replacing a fitting, swapping a supply line, or replacing a section of pipe.
4. Testing. The water is turned back on and the repair is checked.
5. A look around. They may point out other trouble spots, like rust or crust on nearby pipes.

Why do my pipes keep leaking?

If you have had several leaks in the same kind of pipe, the pipes themselves may be wearing out. In that case, ask about repiping and pipe replacement.

Had more than one leak this year? Call (715) 000-0000 and ask about replacing that section.

Related pipe problems

• Burst Pipe Repair in Eau Claire

  Water spraying, pooling, or dripping through a ceiling. Shut off the main valve, then call.

• Drain Pipe Repair in Eau Claire

  Cracked or leaking drain pipes, slow drains, gurgling, and sewer smells.

• Repiping and Pipe Replacement in Eau Claire

  Old, rusty, or worn-out pipes that leak again and again.

What else do people ask about leaking pipes?

How can I tell if the leak is from a water pipe or a drain?

Water supply pipes are under pressure, so they leak all the time, even when nothing is running. Drain pipes only leak when water is going down the drain, like when you run the sink or flush. Notice when it drips and tell the plumber.

Is a pinhole leak a sign of a bigger problem?

Sometimes. Pinhole leaks in copper pipe can mean the pipe is wearing thin. One pinhole can be fixed. Several may mean that section should be replaced.

Can I use tape or putty on a leak?

It may hold for a few hours, but it will not last. It can also hide damage that keeps happening behind it.

Why is there water on my basement ceiling?

It could be a leaking pipe or fitting above, a toilet seal, or a shower drain. In warm, humid weather it can also be sweat on cold pipes. A plumber can tell which one it is.

Can a small leak raise my water bill?

Yes. A steady drip wastes water all day and all night. If your bill goes up and your habits have not changed, a hidden leak is one likely reason.

Is mold a sign of a leak?

Mold or a musty smell in one spot often means water has been getting in for a while. Look nearby for pipes, fixtures, or stains. Fixing the leak comes first, and cleanup comes after.

Pipe repair across Eau Claire neighborhoods

• Pipe repair in Third Ward
• Pipe repair in Historic Randall Park
• Pipe repair in Eastside Hill
• Pipe repair in Putnam Heights
• Pipe repair in North Side Hill
• Pipe repair in Upper Westside

Leak you cannot track down?

Call and we will connect you with a local plumber in Eau Claire who can find the source and fix it.

Call (715) 000-0000