Because water in supply pipes is under pressure, it's usually pretty obvious if a pipe is leaking' even if the pipe is inside a wall or above the ceiling. If water is staining the ceiling or dripping, the leak may be directly above, although water can travel along a joist or other interior framing member and stain a wall or ceiling some distance from the leak itself. If there are no stains or drips overhead as evidence, grab a flashlight, and check the pipes in the basement or crawlspace.
If the leak is serious, immediately turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve or at the main shutoff. Call a plumber if you do not want to replace the pipe yourself. If the leak is minor, you can patch it until the pipe can be replaced.
It's smart to keep a couple of sleeve clamps and some thick rubber material (such as inner tubing) on hand for emergency repairs.
Seal a leaking pipe in a pinch with a C-clamp, a small block of wood, and a piece of thick rubber. An adjustable hose clamp with a piece of thick rubber is a fast, quick, and simple temporary pipe repair.
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