We just bought an older house (65 years) and we discovered in the basement that the metal pipe that drains water from the house has a very small, thin crack that is about 1 ft. long. When the water is turned on in the house, it leaks a little bit of water. We only noticed it because the concrete at the base of the pipe was slightly wet. We are looking to see if anyone can tell us how to fix it so we can take care of it ourselves. Thanks.
2006-09-23 17:25:40 · 10 answers · asked by johntara04 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Depends what the pipe is made of, if it is copper, cut out the section of pipe with the crack and solder in a new section.
2006-09-23 17:29:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a drain pipe so any of the copper/solder suggestions are not correct. The epoxy will work if applied properly but may or may not last very long depending on the condition of that pipe or other connecting pipes. If you go that route keep an eye on it in case it fails further.
In houses of that era the drain system usually consists of cast iron pipes held together with leaded joints. The cracked pipe may be considerably corroded on the inside seeing that it is 65 y/o. The cracked section could be replaced with a piece of ABS pipe (black plastic) of the same size and a couple of rubber connectors. Your local Home Depot or Lowes or Ace HW can help with this.
Without seeing your pipes and not knowing your level of skill with this type of thing accessing the best route to go is ?? If you have a friend or neighbor who is good at handyman stuff that's always a good source. Your neighbors may have already experienced the same sorts of problems if your houses were built around the same time. If you are new to area this is a great time to make new friends.
2006-09-23 18:57:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy some epoxy putty. It is a 2-part substance that you mix with your fingers and is virtually fool proof. I have used this on active steam piping and have recommended it to others who have had good results,also. When mixed to the directions specification spread it on the entire crack and your problem should be solved. You can get it at any home home improvement store. It should work well, especially if the pipe has no pressure. Should cost about $7.00. Sorry, after viewing other answers you should know this works on all types of pipes.
2006-09-23 17:43:55 · answer #3 · answered by LoneWolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait a minuet. If the pipe has a crack a foot long, The pipe has to be sewer pipe. there is no pressure on sewer pipe. The epoxy will work, Actually I would buy a paint-able water stopping product. Drylox is one. It is water based, will work even if the pipe is wet. Lowes, Home Depot, Sutherlands
2006-09-23 17:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have three options
Option 1) use a lot of duct tape
Option 2) call a plumber
Option 3) (turn off all water first) cut out the pipe with about an inch of pipe on either side of the crack and take it to a home depot or a lowes and explain your problem. they will get you more pipe and a special kind of clamp to hold them together.
10 points please!!!
2006-09-23 17:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cut out the section of pipe and take it to a hardware store. Show them the pipe and tell them you are replacing it.
It's probably copper, as long as there is nothing near it to catch fire, it's a pretty easy fix. Couple of joints, a new piece of pipe, solder and a torch. But your wife will think you just fixed a big major problem...SCORE!!! Hopefully, you'll see this before her. HAHA.
2006-09-23 17:36:30 · answer #6 · answered by shogun_316 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have several options, i would think, besides getting a new pipe. The best would be to borrow a torch and some solder or something like that and melt it into the crack (dry). Otherwise try silicone caulk. It's cheap and if you mess it up, you just peel it away and try again. That'd be my best idea.
VB
2006-09-23 17:30:17 · answer #7 · answered by Jester 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
omg nooooo your talking about the porcelain drain main pipe correct? first off silicone or other glues may not take hold for the dampness...you need to not run any water for a day or so... to even have a chance ..with them and they still might not work... what you need is lead...or similar type material they might use these days....many of these drains used lead to seal the fittings in place...
2006-09-27 12:32:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET RID OF ALL THE OLD PIPES AND REPLACE IT WITH PVC PIPE
2006-09-23 19:35:14 · answer #9 · answered by lilminno88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hard thing. research onto google or bing. that might help!
2015-03-23 18:08:55 · answer #10 · answered by latanya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋