what is a cheep way to fix a leaky pipe?

Question

We have this pipe that connects to the kitchen. Everytime we wash dishes or use the sink the water go's directly to the pipe. But the problem here is that the pipe is so old that it totally rusted through. So now there's a huge hole in the pipe and thats why it leaks. And I don't mean a little leak, I'm talking gushing water like niagra falls! What do we do?!

We also don't have money for a plumber normally that would be my first option.

This is not the pipe underneath the sink but rather the one in the basement were the main water go's to. I can't really explain it because I have no skills in this area.

Answer 1

all these answers are somewhat correct however ,,, sounds like its your drain to main sewer and would need to know is it copper pipe plastic pipe (black,,ABS) white PVC.. it may even be cast iron.. the no hub coupler is called a fernco.. its made of rubber and has clamps on either end if its plastic or cast pipe the outside diameter are both the same if its copper the outside is smaller but these couplers are usually universal and cost is minimal,, cut a small section of pipe out and slide the coupler over the hole and clamp in place,,, this is only a temporary fix if you have a hole in one spot another is likely to show up soon ,, start planning on looking for a respected plumber for replacement of these pipes... good luck

Answer 2

Rich Z has a good idea, and I think they do make the clam-shell type of "splint" for the size of pipe you have in the basement. It is probably 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and in any event you need to determine the diameter in the first place. Tell them at Lowe's or HDepot that it's an old iron pipe and tell them the diameter.

An alternative would be to use a hack saw and cut out the bad section, then take the piece you cut out down to HDepot or Lowe's, or Ace Hardware, and buy a piece of ABS (black plastic) drain pipe of the same (approximate) diameter, then cut that new piece to the same length (and no longer) as the one you cut out.
At the hardware store you'll find (ask) couplers that will go over the old and new pipes and will clamp in place. The clamps are already on the couplers.

You'll need 2 couplers, one for each end of the new piece.
Make sure you cut out enough pipe so that the couplers will have enough room to slide over each end of the new plastic pipe.

Ask the hardware guy for advice on how to put these on.

Also, make sure that the pipe is suspended securely on both sides of the cut-out area, so there won't be excess weight on the new couplers. You may have to use perforated metal "plumber's tape"---comes in a roll, galvanized (inexpensive). You would attach one end of this plumber's "tape" (it's metal, about 3/4" wide) to the ceiling and then go around the pipe and attach the other end with screws. Cut the "tape" to the proper length, once you gauge how much you need, of course.

I know how frustrating these things are, but you should do fine.
You'll need a hack saw to cut through the pipes, both the metal and plastic. Clean burrs off the ends when you cut the pipe.
Wear gloves when working with the old rusted pipe as it may have sharp edges, and a cut from it could be nasty.

Remember, the plastic pipe is called "ABS" and I think they may sell 2-foot sections at HDepot.

Good luck.

Edit:
Rick C called the couplers "No Hub" and I think he's right.
Some places don't carry PVC for use as drain pipes, like here in Arizona. In Florida, they did. It's a larger diameter than PVC water supply pipes. Either way, PVC or ABS will work.

Answer 3

There are rubber splints for pipes under sinks. They are like a clam shell with rubber lining. You open them and put them around the pipe. Then you close the attached clamps and the rubber lining holds the water in.

Second cheaper way is to get a roll of that vinyl electricians tape and wrap it around the pipe like a bandage until it is completely covered and no holes show up or drip.

Third and best way is to take off the pipe when the sink is not in use (need a pipe wrench - $5 in store) and bring it into a store like Home Depot. tell them that you want a white plastic PVC pipe that you can use to replace this one. You might need to have it cut to length (ask at HD for them to do it). Put it in place of the bad one and tighten the pipe fittings (hand tight or gently with wrench) and it will be better than new since it can't corrode or rust.

Answer 4

Are you talking about the large drain pipes as the one directly under the sink ?
Go to Low's or Home Depot,turn off the water at the cut off . and remove the old pipe take it with you, ask what you need for a thread sealer.
if you are replacing the small narrow pipe in the back get PVC pipe . good luck.

Answer 5

I don't think there is an easy way to fix your problem, but if you want to try it, you have to buy some PVC the same size than your rusted pipe, and a couple of NO-HUBS (it's like a rubber union with clamps on both ends, any hardware store should know what they are). All you need to do is cut the section that is rusted and then replace it with the PVC using the no-hubs. It's not an easy task for a first timer.
Good luck

Answer 6

Rick C is correct. If the pipe is galvanized, cut of the broken section with a sawzall, cut a piece of PVC or ABS pipe to fit and use two transition couplings. These couplings are like the No-hub type, but are all rubber, longer(so your replacement piece of pipe can be an inch or more shorter than the cut out), and easier to slide into place.

If the pipe is cast iron, you can chip away the section and replace it using the transition couplings. Take a look at one and see how it works before cutting away.

Answer 7

You could fix it using this principle. I had a leaky hard plastic hose pipe that disconnected itself from a holding water tank. I pushed/folded the hose into an n shape then drew the two sides together and tied lots of string around them. That stops the pressure flow. BP could get some made-to-measure flexi-pipe and seal it over the opening of the leak and apply the above theory. I haven't used all the correct professional jargon. A plumber would know what I am talking about.

Answer 8

Shut off the water and replace the pipe. Call a plumber.

Answer 9

The pipe needs to be replaced. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, call a plumber.

Answer 10

If it's a drain pipe, replace it with PVC pipe. That's a very easy DIY project.