To fix a leaking developer's water pipe joint, follow these steps: 1) shut off the water supply and drain the pipe to remove excess water. 2) disconnect the pipe ends carefully to access the damaged joint. 3) clean the joint surfaces with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove corrosion or debris. 4) apply pipe joint compound or thread sealant around the threads. 5) reassemble the pipe while maintaining proper alignment. 6) tighten the connection using pliers or a wrench in a controlled manner. 7) test the repair by slowly refilling the pipe and checking for leaks. If leaks persist, repeat the cleaning and compound application process.

This method ensures a durable repair by addressing both mechanical and chemical factors. According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), 15% of household water leaks originate from pipe joints, often due to improper sealing or corrosion. The use of pipe joint compound, which forms a protective film and fills microscopic gaps, increases leakage prevention effectiveness by 70% compared to dry assembly alone (DIY Network, 2022). Over-tightening can strip pipe threads or damage surrounding materials, while under-tightening leaves gaps vulnerable to pressure. Data from the EPA shows that 30% of DIY pipe repairs fail within six months due to inadequate surface preparation, underscoring the importance of cleaning and compound application. Proactive maintenance reduces emergency repair costs by up to 40% annually, as reported by HomeAdvisor (2023).