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Zurvan · Jan 31, 2009, 07:46 AM

Hi Everybody

Last night I discovered a leak in a joint of my bathtub drain. It's between the floors, and I found it when there was water coming through the ceiling.

It's at the top of the U, where it hooks in to a corner piece that in turn goes to a longer pipe in to the main drain. It only leaks when there's water draining out of the tub.

I want to avoid calling a plumber, if possible. Is there any reliable way to patch this without replacing the pipe all together?

massplumber2008 · Jan 31, 2009, 07:50 AM

Zurvan:

If you can get to the area and clean it super well you may be able to use a PLASTIC EPOXY PUTTY (see picture.. found at home depot or lowes) to patch this leak.

Otherwise, if you can access the pipes well would be just about as quick to purchase a new ptrap, desanco fitting, a coupling, pipe, cement and primer and simply replace the trap altogether...

If you need more... let us know.

MARK

Milo Dolezal · Jan 31, 2009, 07:55 AM

PVC is relatively easy to repair. If your pipes are glued together than you will cut out the leaking U trap. Cut few inches behind the trap and few inches from the tub side. Buy exactly same trap, short piece of pipe, 2 couplings and glue. Cut new pieces of pipe. Use the old cut out trap as a guide and install.

If your drains are not glued (tubular PVC or ABS ) than first try to tighten in up a bit more at each joint. If it still leaks, loosen the joints and replace beveled washers. If leak still persists, than remove the trap, buy new one and reinstall.

Since your tub is on second floor, your trap and other drain joints should be glued.

Zurvan · Jan 31, 2009, 08:01 AM

Potentially silly question - how do you cut the pipe? All I have is a cheapo hand saw and an electric circular saw - neither of which seems appropriate.

Milo Dolezal · Jan 31, 2009, 08:03 AM

Use Hack-Saw with 18 teeth blade in it. Do not use wood saw. It produces very rough cut.

massplumber2008 · Jan 31, 2009, 08:17 AM

Or purchase a sawzall... around $75.00 to $100 depending on which sawzall you purchase. You will definitely find other uses for this versatile saw... :)

They also sell a PVC saw... ;) Just more options for you.

MARK

zosoplumber · Jan 31, 2009, 05:18 PM

If it is tight quarters, you can buy a string saw, they sell them at any Lowe's or H.D.

massplumber2008 · Jan 31, 2009, 05:30 PM

You mean this saw zosoplumber?

Also another good option... :) However, I would have Zurvan make a practice cut on scrap piece of pipe before making that all so critical cut on the pipe in question!

Thanks...

MARK