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How much confidence would you put in a temporary pipe clamp?
A clamp might slow a small, accessible pinhole leak, but I’m unsure when it’s reasonable to leave the water on while arranging a proper repair. Pipe material, pressure, and the leak’s location seem like they could all affect whether it holds.
Would you treat a pinhole differently from a split pipe or a leaking joint? What signs would make you shut off the supply immediately rather than rely on a temporary clamp, even briefly?
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2 replies
I’d distinguish a small, steady pinhole from a split or leaking joint: the latter suggests a broader failure, so I’d favor shutting off the supply rather than trusting a clamp. Even with a pinhole, worsening flow or water reaching a vulnerable area would change my decision. A clamp seems like a short, monitored bridge at most - not a reason to leave the leak unattended.
I’d weigh access and pressure more heavily than the label “pinhole” alone: a small leak in an awkward spot or under conditions where a clamp’s hold is uncertain would make me shut off sooner. A clearly visible, controllable pinhole is a different case from a split, but its small size wouldn’t reassure me if I couldn’t keep an eye on it.
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