House built in the 50's, and the original drain pipe from the 1st floor tub extends about 12" down into the garage below. This pipe has cracked/crumbled right at the elbow (has a small bend that looks like a 5" trap) before running horizontal with the garage ceiling.

What is the best way to fix this. Would I have to rip open the ceiling. The ceiling appears to be cement, but I am not sure.

Can I just cut above the inch wide crack that is near the threads, and also make a cut on the horizontal pipe, and just put some sort of rubber boot (sorry not sure about terminology), on it to fix the leak. I'm afraid that tightening the boot may crack the pipe, since it appears weak.

Should I just wrap the pipe, or use some type of epoxy to seal the leak, do they make such a product?

Thanks for any help. Wife is upset that the kids don't have a tub/shower, so I might just call a plumber in, and get it fixed! I figure I can fend her off for a couple of days though :)

Can you give us a picture? Your pipes will be cast Iron. Do you wish to convert to PVC and install a"P" trap and raiser? Back to you, Tom

Here is a picture of the "problem"

Sorry forgot to answer the question.

I was thinking PVC, just for the ease of installation, but I don't really have a preference.

That wasted raiser's copper. It solders into a Midland bushing on the trap. It can be replaced or you can go back and convert to a PVC trap and raiser But If you go that way The drain will have to replaced as well. Copper and brass solders, PVC and plastic glues. What's yourc pleasure? Regards, Tom

I wonder if I can find a drain to fit my old tub. Are the drains pretty much standard?

I wonder how difficult it will be to work through the ceiling? Guess I will have to make the whole larger, and take a look around.

Is there anyway to "patch" the job, since the bathroom will be replaced in the next 3-4 years? Would that be just asking for more trouble?

QUOTE]Is there anyway to "patch" the job, since the bathroom will be replaced in the next 3-4 years? Would that be just asking for more trouble?[/QUOTE]
If it were my call that's what I'd do. And I think it could be done without tearing up anything. It's going to take some one with soldering skills and a lot of patience. The copper raiser's soldered into a Midland Bushing, (see image) thet's screwed into a threaded "P" trap. It solders into a Brass shower drain.(see image) in the shower floor. Here you have olptions. If the braiser isn't ate all the way upand you have stock up near the drain you can cut the bad part out and couple in a new piece of copper. Replace the Midland bushing and solder everything up and it should last until you remodel. If the raiser is so bad that it all must be replaced then replace the Midland Bushing, remove the strainer unsolder the raiser from the shower drain and replace with a new copper raiser. This can be done without disturbing the shower drain. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer, Tom