It starts as a small drip under the sink, barely noticeable. A few weeks later, there’s a small puddle on the floor every time you run water. Now there’s water seeping into the walls and warping the cabinets. Uh oh, it’s past time to call a plumber or The Relining Company for leaking pipe repair.

But how do you know when a leak has gone from “I can ignore this” to “HIGH ALERT – call a pro immediately.”? This guide covers the signs it’s time for pipe repairs, temporary fixes to try, and when to call the pros. Arm yourself with knowledge to catch leaks early and prevent water damage.

Drips and Dampness – Time for Repairs?

You notice a few drips under the bathroom sink once a week – is it time for pipe repairs? Not necessarily. Here are signs a small leak may still be harmless:

• Only leaks when tap is on – from faucet, not pipes
• Droplets, not streaming water
• No drips overnight or when not using
• No moisture/stains on walls or cabinets
• Absorbs into towel when wiped up

However, if a tiny leak is in an area that could damage wood cabinets or flooring, it’s best to call a plumber right away to be safe.

Ongoing Moisture – Take Caution

If there’s an area under the sink or along baseboards that stays damp even when the taps aren’t running, it likely means water is escaping slowly from pipes or joints. This situation calls for repairs soon.

Signs that moisture is problematic:

• Damp spot doesn’t dry after wiping up
• Drywall or floor feels spongy
• Musty, mildew smell
• Visible mold or rotting wood
• Plaster cracking or bubbling

Don’t wait on repairs when there is ongoing moisture as serious water damage can occur. Call a plumber as soon as possible.

Major Leaks – Immediate Repairs Needed

Any time you have a major leak with water streaming steadily from pipes, it’s considered a plumbing emergency. Here are signs you need immediate repairs:

• Water rapidly pooling under sinks or through ceilings below
• Sudden loss of water pressure
• Loud hissing sound of escaping water

-Visible spurting from pipe connections

• Floors, walls, ceilings collapsing from water saturation

Major leaks require repairs ASAP. Turn off the main water supply line to the home before calling an emergency plumber to prevent flooding.

Temporary Leak Patches – Buy Time

For small drips and moisture, you may have some time to schedule a plumber rather than needing emergency repairs. Temporary fixes like these can help:

• Place a bucket or pan under leaks to catch drips until repaired
• Absorbent pads around damp areas to contain moisture spread
• Apply caulking or epoxy where water beads from around pipes
• Wrap small leaks in self-fusing silicone tape
• Limit use of water at problematic fixtures to reduce leaks

Make sure to monitor closely and schedule professional repairs soon if moisture keeps spreading or leaks worsen.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While temporary patches help, repairs from a licensed plumber are the only true fix for leaking pipes. Call the pros right away in these situations:

• Leak originated from inside a wall or ceiling
• Pipe burst or joint failure causing heavy leakage
• Calcium deposits indicating pipe corrosion
• Noticed dampness/mold spreading over weeks
• Temporary fixes aren’t containing the issue

Conclusion 

Trying DIY repairs on major leaks inside walls often leads to bigger problems. Professionals have specialized tools, materials and skills to locate the leak source, repair pipes, and prevent future issues. Don’t wait until pipes fail catastrophically causing huge water damage. Call a plumber as soon as leaks pose a risk to avoid an even costlier emergency repair. Watch for the warning signs and take swift action.