Hi,

The hole is in the cavity under a built-in bathtub.
The problem is a short piece of 1/2" PVC pipe serving the hot water faucet of the tub filler.
The hole is really TINY and when the pressure in on, it shoots a very fine, barely visible, jet of water. I don't know how & why the hole formed. I can reach the portion of the pipe with only one hand! I would have to take out the whole bathtub to access & change the pipe. That would be terrible. I've turned the hot water pressure off in the house (I cannot reach the shut off valve that serves this faucet.) Right now everything is dry in there again.

I thought perhaps if I apply a generous amount of PVC cement on the hole, plus maybe later, some equally generous amount of epoxy around the pipe, I could stop the tiny leak.

Can anyone help with suggestions?

Thanks very much.

PVC cannot be use for hot water supply. Could it be CPVC. The epoxy might seal it if you put it entirely around the pipe. Applying glue won't help. That's because it's not really a glue or adhesive. It softens and deteriorates the surfaces of the two pieces of pipe and causes them to fuse together. It doesn't stick them together like Elmer's glue, that's why it peals right off your fingers.

Here you might find two possibilities:

PlumbingSupply.com - Pipe repair tools, clamps, and accessories to fix your broken pipes!

The repair clamp and the saddle clamp.

For the saddle clamp, it can be used as is with a plug or a portion of if could be cemented to repair the leak and hose clamped to set. This is why I hate non dimensioned drawings.

Otherwise bubble gum and paper clips or a hose clamp and a piece of rubber.

Okay, thanks very much for your time and the valuable advice.

OK what is it fixed or not,if fixed how did you fixed, Thanks.

John

I'd give KISS's website a shot. If the clamps don't work or fit you can then try the expoxy. What is on the out side of the wall from the tub, behind it? If it's a closet you can cut yourself a inspection door and work from there.

I agree with bob try that, also I am attaching the link below it may work out too, good luck

John

Pipe and Hose Leak Repair Tape

I surrounded the pipe with epoxy and it seems it will hold.
I guess time will tell. There is really just one hole to access this area,
'it's under the tub. Of course I could cut in from underneath or take out the tub,
But that would involve quite a mess. This pipe has a thread (consists of a series of threads and is used to connect two stainless steel pipes) so the clamps wouldn't have worked.

That advice on that mending tape is very interesting indeed.

Thanks again.

John,

About the tape you mentioned,
American Trade Products made, I understand.
Any idea who else carries it? I am in BC, Canada.

Thanks,
blasius

Hello Blasius,

You are correct this product om ATP and they don't have supplier in BC, they can ship it to you, they sent a kit for one of friends in Ontario Canada, call them at 800-368-1564 and tell them you need it for PVC , it is called ATP pipe repair kit part number SRKP2600 and it
Cost $14.99 a kit shipping will cost approximately $12, let me know if you need any more help.Good luck.

John

Blasius...

Home depot or most home improvement stores sell SPRING-LOADED ACCESS PANELS (see picture... can be painted or wallpapered) that would allow you to cut a small square hole in the area below the tub, do a good repair job on the pipe and then install the spring-loaded access panel and will be all set for a long time...

At least this could be a second fix for you if needed... ;)

Click on this link for more information:

AOL Image Search results for "plumbing access panel"

Good luck...

MARK

Well, I bought a product not unlike the one mentioned.
PowerWrap it's called. The fiberglass tape is in a sealed foil pouch.
It is water activated.
But there's also a small amount of epoxy putty to be kneaded and
Applied onto the pipe before the tape is wrapped around it. Too small amount.

I really wonder is the putty a must - i.e. essential?
Or can I just go on using the tape without the putty?

Mark,

Thanks very much for the advice.
Unfortunately the area is super really difficult to access.
Plus, there is wainscot paneling and underneath... tiles!
Horror to cut through that. The existing circular hole is all I got and it's about 18" away from the faulty pipe, which means I have to reach in there a full arm length to do the job.
Still at least I can reach it.
But thanks again.