Leaky pipe joint?

Question

I have a leak every time my laundry tub drains to the sewer pipe (metal). It leaks from the joint on the top part of the t joining the pipe (metal) coming over from the tub and the vertical sewer pipe. I assume it's leaking as the water rises above the joint if the drainage is slow.


First, is the fact that water is rising above the joint concerning? And second, should I just use an epoxy around the joint, or do I need to take apart the pipe and round it with teflon tape, etc.

Answer 1

You could use epoxy putty, and I know it works. But the next person who will have to open that joint will be cursing you....!
The water "rises up" because the water level in the tub is located higher than the leaky joint, and water always tends to level itself.
The proper way is to open that joint, and Teflon tape may not necessarily be the only thing you need, but a new rubber washer too, depends on how the joint is done in the first place.

Answer 2

If you have Metal sewer pipes , you have a very old system, and it sounds as though its not properly set up- Clean the lines, and look for a Clean out plug. Fix the leak best way you can- Metal Sewer pipes are nothing for a amature to play with.

Answer 3

The root of the problem is the slow drain, so deal with that first. If you have access to a Kärcher, use it to really clean the line, if not, use Drano or other pipe-cleaning chemical. Good Luck!

Answer 4

i would recommend re-doing the pipe and not to use glues,, rather use a new pipe and re-screw it on the existing (cover with rubber tape 1st)