Top 5 Temporary Fixes for a Plumbing Leak Until Your Phoenix Plumber Arrives (Arizona-Approved Solutions!)

June 4, 2025

5 Temporary Fixes for a Plumbing Leak

A burst pipe or sudden leak in Phoenix can quickly turn into a costly disaster—especially when you’re waiting for professional help. With scorching summer heat that warps pipes and hard water that corrodes fittings, Arizona homeowners need quick, effective solutions to minimize damage.

For over 20 years, Option One Plumbers has been Phoenix’s go-to emergency plumbing service, earning 500+ five-star Yelp and Google reviews for their rapid response and expert repairs. In this guide, we’ll share:Leak

✅ 5 proven temporary fixes for common Arizona leaks
✅ When to DIY vs. when to call Option One immediately
✅ How proper drain maintenance prevents emergencies
✅ Real customer stories that prove why Phoenix trusts Option One


Why Arizona Homes Are Prone to Leaks

1. Extreme Heat Expands & Weakens Pipes

  • Summer temperatures exceed 110°F, causing PVC to warp and metal to fatigue

  • Solution: Insulate exposed pipes before summer hits

2. Hard Water Build-Up Causes Corrosion

  • Mineral deposits degrade pipe joints and valves over time

  • Solution: Install a water softener and flush pipes annually

3. Shifting Desert Soil Stresses Plumbing

  • Arizona’s clay-rich ground moves dramatically between wet and dry seasons

  • Solution: Schedule annual sewer camera inspections

4. Monsoon Rains Overwhelm Drainage

  • Sudden downpours can flood crawl spaces and loosen pipe fittings

  • Solution: Ensure proper yard grading and French drains


5 Temporary Fixes to Stop Leaks Fast (Phoenix-Approved)

1. Pipe Burst? Use a Rubber Patch & Hose Clamp

Best for: Small cracks in accessible pipes

What you’ll need:

  • Rubber piece (inner tube, garden hose)

  • 2 hose clamps or C-clamps

Steps:

  1. Turn off water supply

  2. Wrap rubber tightly around leak

  3. Secure with clamps every 2 inches

  4. Turn water back on slowly to test

How long it lasts: Days (until permanent repair)


2. Leaky Joint? Apply Epoxy Putty

Best for: Copper pipe solder joints, PVC connections
What you’ll need:

  • Plumbing epoxy putty ($5 at hardware stores)

  • Sandpaper (to rough up surface)

Steps:

  1. Dry and sand the leaking area

  2. Knead putty until uniform color

  3. Press firmly over leak, smoothing edges

  4. Let cure 1 hour before testing

Pro Tip: Keep JB Weld WaterWeld in your emergency kit or ask Option One for more information


3. Faucet Dripping? Replace the Washer

Best for: Kitchen/bathroom faucets
What you’ll need:

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Replacement washer (match old one)

Steps:

  1. Shut off water under sink

  2. Remove handle and stem assembly

  3. Swap worn washer

  4. Reassemble and test

Option One Insight: 60% of faucet leaks stop with this $1 fix


4. Toilet Running? Adjust the Flapper Chain

Best for: Phantom flushes and constant running
What you’ll need:

  • Pliers (to adjust chain length)

Steps:

  1. Remove tank lid

  2. Ensure chain has 1/2″ slack when flapper is closed

  3. Bend or clip excess chain if needed

Emergency Alternative: Shut off toilet valve until repair


5. Water Heater Leak? Drain It Immediately

Best for: Small tank leaks
Critical: If leaking from top, may just need new valves
If leaking from bottom, tank is failing – call Option One ASAP

Steps:

  1. Turn off power/gas

  2. Connect hose to drain valve

  3. Open pressure relief valve

  4. Drain completely

Safety Note: Sediment buildup causes 80% of Arizona water heater failures


When to Call Option One Plumbers Immediately

🚨 Water spraying uncontrollably (main line break)
🚨 Sewage backup (health hazard)
🚨 Leak near electrical wiring
🚨 No water pressure throughout house
🚨 Suspected slab leak (warm floors, mold smells)

Option One‘s Emergency Services Include:

  • 24/7 live answer service

  • Average 90-minute response time in Phoenix

  • Camera inspections to pinpoint leaks

  • Trenchless repair options


How Option One Plumbers Became Phoenix’s Most Trusted Name

🏆 500+ Verified 5-Star Reviews

🔹 “Had a pipe burst at 2 AM. Option One was there by 3:15 and had it fixed before sunrise!” – J. Ramirez (Yelp)
🔹 “They’ve maintained our historic home’s plumbing for 12 years. Flawless work.” – L. Chen (Google)
🔹 “Honest pricing and no upsells. Rare in the plumbing industry.” – T. Williams (Yelp)

See More Reviews Here

🌵 Deep Community Roots Since 2002

  • Official partners with 15+ local HVAC and roofing companies

  • Sponsors Little League teams across Maricopa County

  • Provides free leak detection for senior citizens monthly

  • Trains apprentices through ACE Scholarships program

🛠️ Arizona-Specific Expertise

  • Specialized in desert plumbing challenges

  • Fleet of monsoon-ready service trucks

  • 10-year warranties on most repairs

  • Free second opinions on major jobs


Prevent Future Leaks: 5 Essential Phoenix Maintenance Tips

  1. Insulate Pipes Before Summer (Use foam sleeves)

  2. Flush Water Heater Annually (Prevents sediment cracks)

  3. Install Water Softener (Reduces mineral damage)

  4. Grade Soil Away From Foundation (Prevents shifting)

  5. Schedule Camera Inspections Every 3 Years


Conclusion: Be Prepared for Arizona’s Plumbing Emergencies

While these temporary fixes can save your home from water damage, permanent repairs require professional expertise. When in doubt, call Option One Plumbers—Phoenix’s most trusted name for fast, honest plumbing service.

📞 Need help now? Call Option One at 602-225-4240 or visit Option One  for 24/7 emergency service!


More Arizona Plumbing Guides

📌 “5 Signs Your Sewer Line is Failing (And How to Fix It)”
📌 *”How to Save $500/Year on Water Bills in Phoenix”*

Have a leak emergency? Comment below or contact Option One immediately! 💦🔧