How do I fix a leak in a pipe that appears to be copper?

Question

I noticed a small wet patch in my basement drop cieling. I removed the panel to find a pipe that seems to lead from my toilet to the sewer line leading out of the house. It is at a point where the pipes join and there is a seam. Do I sodder? Do I patch?? If anyone knows how I can fix this please HELP!!!

it is about 10 inches in diameter

It may not be copper, it is just a copper color, but it is definitely not plastic or pvc.

Sorry, 4 inch diameter

Answer 1

I'd use NuMetal Epoxy Putty from KBS Coatings. It adheres to copper and will stop leaks. See link for more info.

Answer 2

Copper Waste Pipe

Answer 3

Not too sure where these guys get their info about copper not being used as drain lines. 30 years ago, everyone who was anyone, wanted nothing but copper for their plumbing piping, both water supply and drainage. Now 30 years later, they're finding that leaks, such as yours, develope in the lines, just because they ARE copper and subject to severe corrosion under many different types of circumstances. The drain lines, such as yours, aren't usually that tough to repair, if the leak is in a fairly accessable place in the line. If, as you say, it's coming from a joint, then there are numerous ways to seal it. You could simply smear a layer or two of clear silicone sealant on it and let it dry, or if you're handy with tools and have some experience soldering copper, you could clean around the joint and resolder it, or you could wrap an old bicycle or auto inner tube piece around it and clamp it.

Answer 4

Copper pipe was used a lot in drainage in the past. It still meets todays codes also. PVC pipe is cheaper thats why it is used today. Depending where the leak is you can do a quick fix with epoxy. You will need to use a wire brush to clean the area where the epoxy will be. Also make sure and dry the area with a rag before the epoxy is applied. You can get this at any lumber yard.

Answer 5

The point from which you see the water dripping is likely not the source of the leak. Sounds like your describing a "soil" drain pipe since no supply line would be four inches in diamater. The pipe is probably cast iron. The leak source may be a joint. If so, you can purchase packing to stuff in the joint by use of a hammer and chisel.

Answer 6

You have to first drain the pipe of all water, vent it by turning on the faucet that it leads to and then, if the leak is at a seam, solder it. You need flux, steal wool and a torch. You can go to a hardware store to find everything but I sugest calling a professional as it will be cheaper and less hassle in the long run. NOTE: A soldering iron doesn't work!

Answer 7

if it is a toilet washout line, then it shouldn't be copper. It will be 3 or 4 inch iron or pvc. If it is metal, and you want a cheap fix, then clean it up real good and jb weld it really good. Outlet pipes dont have to hold a lot of water pressure, so this should work. If it is pvc or plastic, then clean it up, prime it, then seal it with pvc cement. You should eventually replace it with 3 or 4 inch pvc.

Answer 8

Depending on your level of experience and skill with tools, you should call a qualified plumber.
Copper is not a material used to connect your toilet to the sewer, legally. If you have fire insurance and the tools, I wouldn't do it.
don't be a dollar cheap and Thousand dollarss
un knowing.
If the fire doesn't hurt, the water damage will.

Answer 9

since it is only a sewer line, not under pressure, there are many simple quick fixes available. if it is on a junction between two pipes, i would definitely re-lead solder the joint.

Answer 10

i would go get a small piece of copper and sodder it over the spot that's leaking.