Repairs
A. Clamps
Repairs are traditionally done on a "one at a time" basis using clamps as band-aids. While this system deals with the immediate problem, it does not recognize the bigger issue of the continued wear. Many pipes in apartment buildings are full of clamps. These clamps have been put on the pipe one leak at a time. Temporarily fixing pipes with clamps is the least expensive solution, doesn't require the system to be shut down and drained, and is the suggested method of repair at the outset of plumbing problems in a building. Once the same walls are opened time and time again to continually apply a clamp, the next step is to remove this section of pipe and do a section replacement.

B. Section Replacements
Section replacement takes place where pipes have extensive corrosion occurring. It is also common to replace pipes in locations where clamps cannot be installed. When a section is shut down and drained for a section replacement, the change in the pipe temperature and the pressure of the water when refilling will often cause more pinhole leaks or will burst pipes. You are then faced with another clamp or another replacement. Spot repairs and section replacements have two major drawbacks, they don't address the fact that the problem is in the entire piping system, and they are very costly.