We have a leak of wastewater from our kitchen leaking from the basement ceiling. After removing the drop ceiling tiles, I have found the source of the leak. It is at the joint of the copper wastewater pipe about 5 feet from the sink. Can I repair this with plumber's epoxy. Thanks so much!

Angela

No you should not try to patch with epoxy. Is this a sweated connection? If so unsweat it, clean the pipes with plumber cloth or fine emery paper, flux and sweat in a new joint.

Hi Angella

As Bob said, epoxy is NOT a long term solution, but it may be helpful in a pinch... ;)

As a quick fix, plumber's epoxy may work for you. Here, take some sandpaper and clean and rough up the surface that is leaking. Knead the plumber's epoxy putty until uniform in color and then apply to the copper pipe/joint. The trick with this stuff is to keep it thin and blend the edges down tight to the pipe. Using water to feather the edge in tight to the pipe works real good with this. Be sure to feather the edges all around or water will find its way to the unfeathered edge and leak.

Try it out and see if it buys you some time. When needed, find a plumber to cut out the bad section and repair or pop back if you or a friend are handy and we can discuss replacing the broken pipe with new PVC, OK?

Good luck!

Mark