how to repair a drain pipe leak

How to Repair a Leaking Drain Pipe

1. Dry the area thoroughly. A heat gun will help evaporate moisture. ...
2. Buy some putty that is made to stop water leaks. Sand the area with sandpaper, then clean the area with alcohol.
3. Buy some fiberglass-resin tape. ...
4. Apply a cold-weld adhesive. ...
5. Wrap the leaking place tightly with rubber. ...

Full Answer

How to stop a drain connection PVC plumbing leak?

• Turn off the water supply line in the house.
• Drain the damaged line and ensure that the area to be patched is clean and dry so that the epoxy putty will properly adhere to the pipe.
• Tear off enough plumbing epoxy putty to fully cover the surface around the leak.
• Knead the putty until it is pliable enough for application.
• Apply the putty to the pipe.

More items...

How to fix a cracked drain pipe?

How to Repair a PVC Pipe With Rubber and Hose Clamps

• Clean the PIpe. Use a clean dry rag to thoughly wipe down and dry the pipe around the repair area.
• Cut a Rubber Patch. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut a patch of sheet rubber to fit around the crack in the pipe. ...
• Attach the Hose Clamps. Loosen a pair of worm-gear hose clamps fully, then position them over the pipe and rubber patch. ...
• Test the Repair. ...

How to seal a leaking pipe?

What Is the Best Way to Seal a Leaking Pipe?

• Pipe Clamp. If the leak in your pipe is big then using a pipe clamp to repair it is a good option. ...
• Wrap. A wrap, also known as a pipe repair kit, can be used to repair leaking pipes and works really well for copper pipes.
• Making Your Own Clamp. ...

How to repair common plumbing drain and vent problems?

• Watch for slowly draining sink drains or toilets. ...
• Listen for gurgling sounds coming from one drain when you open another. ...
• Remove the P-trap from the fixture from which you hear the gurgling, if it's accessible. ...
• Climb the roof with a garden hose and spray water into the main vent opening. ...
• Adjustable pliers
• Garden hose

How do you seal a leaking drain pipe?

Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.

Can you patch a drain pipe?

Answer: Two options for patching the hole in your drain trap are the Multi-Purpose Epoxy Putty, as you mentioned, and the Deluxe Pipe Patch Kit. Whether you use putty or a pipe patch will depend on how permanent you want to the solution to be. Putty is often used as a permanent solution.

How do I fix a leaky pipe without replacing it?

1:213:42How To Repair Leaky Pipes - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipItself lamps can work well on a leak in the middle of a pipe run choose one made for the same sizeMoreItself lamps can work well on a leak in the middle of a pipe run choose one made for the same size pipe. You need a snug fit without over-tightening the clamp place a rubber gasket.

Can you patch a leaking PVC pipe?

0:262:02Leak-B-Gone - PVC Leak Stopper Ring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd hours of time cutting out and replacing leaking PVC pipe to ensure proper installation. TheMoreAnd hours of time cutting out and replacing leaking PVC pipe to ensure proper installation. The instructions must be followed exactly it is advised to work rapidly as cement assets quickly use primer.

What is the best sealant for leaking pipes?

The following list looks at the best pipe thread sealant for a number of applications.BEST OVERALL: Gasoila – SS16 Soft-Set Pipe Thread Sealant with PTFE.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape.BEST FOR WATER: Oatey 31230 Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE with Brush.More items...•

Does Flex Seal work on PVC pipe?

Flex Seal Liquid works great for: PVC pipes.

Will plumbers putty stop leaks?

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems. Plumber's putty seals the parts to prevent leaks. A common location for leaks, and thus putty, is around toilets and drains. Putty also helps seal the drains for sinks and tubs.

Does Flex Seal tape work on water pipes?

Does Flex Seal Work On Water Pipes? Flex Tape, which appears on As Seen on TV, is intended for use on all types of surfaces, wet and dry.

Can you tape a leaking pipe?

You can use two types of tape to seal water leaks on pipes: plumber's tape or self-fusing silicone tape. Plumber's tape, also called Teflon or pipe thread tape, is good to use on joints of leaky pipes.

How do you fix a PVC drain pipe?

How to Repair PVC PipeRemove the Damaged Section. Wrap a sheet of paper around the PVC pipe as a “saw guide.” ... Cut the Replacement Pipe. Fit a slip coupling over each standing pipe (the undamaged pipe that remains in place). ... Apply Solvent Cement. ... Fit the Replacement Pipe.

Can you use PVC cement to stop a leak?

Joining a pipe to a pipe fitting requires specially formulated primer and cement—no ordinary adhesive but a chemical solvent that melts the surface of the PVC and then quickly re-hardens to fuse the pieces together. The result is an airtight, leak-proof bond similar to what you get with welding metal.

Do you need to glue PVC drain pipe?

If you would like to disconnect a pipe joint at some point, you will want to avoid PVC cement. However, connecting PVC without cement usually makes these joints unable to carry gases or even liquids. What non-cemented joints lack in soundness they make up for in convenience!

How do you fix a hole in a plastic drain pipe?

0:000:48Super easy fix for screw hole in PVC drain! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGoing to show you a quick and simple repair for a hole in PVC I put a drywall screw. Through this sMoreGoing to show you a quick and simple repair for a hole in PVC I put a drywall screw. Through this s trap and since it's pretty difficult to cut that piece out and use a coupler. I'm going to do it a

How do you repair a hole in a lead drain pipe?

0:132:55Lead Drain Pipe Repair Made Simple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what I did was cut it off and runs through the rafter and there were some nail holes. And thisMoreAnd what I did was cut it off and runs through the rafter and there were some nail holes. And this lead pipe. And what I did was I soldered them I ground it use flux and use lead solder.

How do you repair a hole in a metal drain pipe?

Use the putty knife to fill the hole with cast-iron patching compound. To do this, apply the compound around the pipe instead of along the pipe, and use just enough compound to seal the hole.

How do you fix a PVC drain pipe?

How to Repair PVC PipeRemove the Damaged Section. Wrap a sheet of paper around the PVC pipe as a “saw guide.” ... Cut the Replacement Pipe. Fit a slip coupling over each standing pipe (the undamaged pipe that remains in place). ... Apply Solvent Cement. ... Fit the Replacement Pipe.

What causes a broken drain pipe?

Cracked Drain Pipes and Sewer Lines - Over longer periods of time small cracks can form in your drain pipes and sewer lines. Corrosion and old age weakens the pipes forming cracks that can eventually lead to a broken pipe. Accidental Damage to the Drain Pipe - When you are remodeling or maybe even during regular cleaning, ...

What happens when you knock a drain pipe loose?

When the pipes get dislocated, cracks may appear and your drain will start to leak. Cleaning of Pipes and Traps - Drain pipes can also get damaged by cleaning the P-trap, ...

What to do if your plumbing is broken?

Best thing to do is to take the broken fitting with you to the store, to make sure you get the right size fitting. Replace the Pipes in Stages - If the leak in your system is due to an old and faulty drain line, then you will need to consider replacing the entire line. If your plumbing system is getting old, you could replace ...

Why does my P trap leak?

The P-trap itself can develop leaks, usually caused by cleaning the trap or because the drain pipes have been knocked out of line. Most of these leaks are not that difficult to repair with some "do it yourself plumbing".

Why does my drain smell so bad?

Nasty Oders - Drainpipe leaks can also cause the surrounding area to become permanently moist, this can become a problem causing nasty smell s to rise from the drain, from below your flooring, the sewer and even from the walls of your house.

Can drain pipes get damaged?

Cleaning of Pipes and Traps - Drain pipes can also get damaged by cleaning the P-trap, during the disassembly or while reassembling.

Can a leaking drain cause water loss?

Leaking drain pipes in your home plumbing are not only unsanitary and hazardous but they can also cause a big loss of water. Most of the time a leaking a drain is detected much later than the leak had started and after much of the damage that could have been prevented, has already been done by the leaking pipe.

How to fix a leaky pipe?

Apply a 2-part epoxy putty for the most durable temporary fix. A 2-part epoxy putty is made up of a base and a hardener that solidify around your pipe when they’re mixed together. Just knead both putties in your hand until they’re thoroughly combined. Then, press the putty onto the section of pipe that’s leaking so it’s about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Leave the putty to cure for the amount of time listed on the packaging before running water through your drain again.

What to do if you still notice a leak in your sink?

If you still notice leaks, then call a plumber to look at your sink.

How to loosen a sink strainer?

Turn the locknut clockwise to loosen it. Keep unscrewing the locknut until it drops away from your sink. After that, just grab and pull the strainer straight out from the top of your sink.

What to do if you don't feel comfortable working on your pipes?

If you don’t feel comfortable working on the pipes yourself, contact a professional plumber to ensure your drain gets fixed properly.

How to check for leaks in sink?

Run some water through the drain to check for leaks. Plug your sink and fill it up with a little bit of water from your faucet. Check underneath your sink to make sure there isn’t any water dripping underneath. Then, unplug your drain and let the water drain out. Watch your pipes to make sure there aren’t any leaks.

What to do if a P trap is damaged?

If only the J-shaped section of the P-trap is damaged, then you only need to remove the slipnuts connecting to that portion of pipe. You can leave the other pipes connected to your drain and wall.

How to replace rubber gasket on slip nut?

If you’re replacing the rubber gaskets on a slip nut, you’ll slide the gasket directly onto the pipe instead. Make sure the narrower end of the gasket points toward the end of the pipe where you’re making the connection.

Step 1

Dry the area thoroughly. A heat gun will help evaporate moisture. Cut out a small piece of sandpaper and use it to rough up the leaking area of pipe. Clean the area with alcohol. Buy some specially made glue that is made for use on water pipes. Add a thick layer of the glue, pushing it into the seam of the leak as best as you can.

Step 2

Buy some putty that is made to stop water leaks. Sand the area with sandpaper, then clean the area with alcohol. Mix and apply the putty according to the putty manufacturer's directions. Do not put any water down the drain for the recommended amount of time the putty needs to cure.

Step 3

Buy some fiberglass-resin tape. Soak the fiberglass-resin tape in a bucket of water according to the tape manufacturer's directions. Simply wrap the tape around the leak. Wearing gloves, smooth over the taped surface with your hands. Leave the tape on to cure according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 4

Apply a cold-weld adhesive. This type of compound comes as a two-part liquid epoxy or it comes as a putty that you knead before applying. With this cold-weld adhesive, you need to work quickly. Rub the area with sandpaper to rough it up, then clean the area well with with alcohol. Mix the cold-weld adhesive according to directions.

Step 5

Wrap the leaking place tightly with rubber. To hold the rubber in place, put a C-clamp over it. Tighten the screw on the C-clamp with a screwdriver to make the area watertight. You can also pick up a neoprene coupler. This is a rubber sleeve with metal clamps already attached. They tighten the same way as a C-clamp.

What is the best way to fix a leaking pipe?

Repair epoxies designed to bond to PVC and other plastics commonly come in both putty and liquid (syringe) forms. This is the best solution for leaking fittings, though it will also work on pipe cracks.

What to use to fix a rubber leak?

A thick piece of rubber and a couple of hose clamps makes for a down-and-dirty temporary repair that you can apply without having to go to the store for supplies. If the leak is isolated to one area and not split down the length of a joint or a piece of pipe, then you can usually get a piece of rubber around it. An old bicycle inner tube makes a good source of patching rubber.

What glue is used to fix a PVC pipe?

PVC pipes and joint fittings are typically glued together with PVC solvent glue. These connections are quick and permanent, as the plastic parts are chemically fused together by the glue. The bad news is that if you get a leak in a PVC joint or pipe, it's impossible to separate the joints to replace the leaky parts. The permanent repair usually requires cutting back the pipe and installing new couplings and replacement parts,

What is a CPVC pipe?

CPVC pipes are also white or cream-colored, but they are generally small diameter-pipes, 1/2- or 3/4-inch in diameter. And it will be quite obvious if these are pressurized water-supply pipes, as leaks in the pipes or fittings will cause water to spray out. 2:44.

How to get rubber around a pipe?

If the leak is isolated to one area and not split down the length of a joint or a piece of pipe, then you can usually get a piece of rubber around it. Open the hose clamps all the way so you can separate them and get them around the pipe.

Can you use a syringe to make epoxy?

Many products come in syringe-form that are self-mixing as you depress the plungers on tubes that are connected side-by-side. These products typically produce a liquid epoxy material that is dabbed or spread over the repair area directly from the syringe applicator. Other repair epoxies require hand-mixing to produce a putty-like repair material that can be applied with a craft stick or disposable putty knife.

Can you repair a PVC drain pipe?

But if you have a leak in a PVC drain pipe, often you can repair it temporarily until there's time for a permanent fix. Drain pipes are not pressurized, which makes temporary repairs relatively effective. The same repair methods will also work for ABS pipes, which are also unpressurized drain pipes.

How to tell if sewer line is leaking?

To test if it is leaking sewer water, simply open your house trap and introduce some dye into it. Flush a toilet once or twice, and wait awhile. Depending on the severity of the sewer leak, it can appear in minutes, or may take hours. This simple test can prevent you from replacing your water service line for no good reason. A dye test can also determine if standing water (a ponding condition) in your yard is from a leaking sewer water.

How to fix a water leak above a finished floor?

If a water leak is evident above a finished floor, simply add some dye into one fixture at a time then run some water. In the case of a toilet, add the dye then flush the toilet once or twice. Depending on the location of the leak and your plumbing fixture, the dye may take minutes or hours to appear.

What damage can a sewer leak cause?

A sewer leak inside your home can damage sheet rock, floors, carpentry, and other valuable objects such as cabinets. Left unattended a leaking sewer water can lead to mold, and more serious structural damage. A leaking sewer water on your main house drain or house sewer can also cause extensive damage if ignored. Sewer water leaking from a pipe joint or broken pipe washes away the soil supporting the drain system. Eventually the leak will undermine your drain pipes and cause sags or separations. Leaking sewer water can also lead to a ponding condition in your yard, which is unsanitary.

What happens if you leak water in your house?

A leaking sewer water on your main house drain or house sewer can also cause extensive damage if ignored. Sewer water leaking from a pipe joint or broken pipe washes away the soil supporting the drain system. Eventually the leak will undermine your drain pipes and cause sags or separations. Leaking sewer water can also lead to a ponding condition ...

How to test if a toilet is leaking water?

To test if it is leaking sewer water, simply open your house trap and introduce some dye into it. Flush a toilet once or twice, and wait awhile. Depending on the severity of the sewer leak, it can appear in minutes, or may take hours.

Can you dye your yard for sewer leaks?

Hence, it often gets mistaken for a water supply line leak. Standing water in your yard can be from a sewer leak. A dye test is not hard to do, and food or clothing dye can be used. Specialty dye made specifically for plumbing dye tests can also be purchased for a test. Whatever dye you use, it should be brightly colored yellow, orange, ...

Is a leaking sewer pipe a health hazard?

Standing or ponding water from a leaking sewer pipes are also a health hazard to you and your entire family, and frequently goes misdiagnosed. Leaking drain pipes can also undermine your drain system and cause sags and separations.

How to find a leak in a waste pipe?

To discover a leak, inspect the area around your waste pipe to find evidence of dripping – this means that wet spots or pools of water may have formed.

What is the best way to repair toilet waste pipes?

For toilet waste pipes, the best solution would be to use a specialist plastic repair epoxy putty stick: an easy to use solution that can be broken off and moulded into the space you require; unlike traditional two-part epoxy putties.

How to repair epoxy putty?

Kneading the putty from the repair epoxy putty stick will start a chemical reaction, allowing the putty to become rock hard from its initial malleable state. Once the epoxy putty has fully become one colour, push it into the area needing repair. This will cause the plastic repair epoxy putty to cure and fully seal the leak.

What is waste pipe?

The waste pipe on your property is identifiable as a larger diameter pipe that connects the smaller household drain pipes. The waste pipe will usually receive water from amenities such as:

What is a pipe repair bandage?

Pipe repair bandages come with a water-activated resin, meaning that once water is applied to the bandage; they begin to cure and harden. Wrapped around a pipe, they provide a rock hard and highly durable shell that creates a permanent repair solution.

What happens when you wrap tape around a leak?

When you wrap the tape around the affected area, it will form a strong, solid bond over the leak area; providing a high-pressure repair solution.

Where is the waste pipe located?

Your waste pipe will be found underneath the house or property, routed beneath the floor, crawl space, or the basement. It may also have many drain connections along the route to the main household sewer line. Considering the local building codes, the waste pipe may be a black ABS plastic that is specifically used for sewer piping, however, the pipes connecting to it from other fixtures may be a white PVC plastic to make them easily identifiable.