Plumbers use incorrect methods for pipe repairs
10 posts in the last 90 days, all from r/Plumbing.
“Found a water spot on ceiling. I found the joint which looks like it’s been leaking for awhile. I have soldered an elbow copper pipe once before with no issue . The T is 1 inch reduced where leak is. Will i need to cut T out or is there a way to remove pipe from leaking end with…”
“Found an active leak coming from a corroded solder joint where a 1.5" copper drain enters the main waste stack. It’s accessible from behind my kitchen cabinet (lazy Susan), so working in there is going to be annoying, but doable. What’s the best way to remediate this?”
“Plumbetrician here. I had a steel pipe threaded into a cast iron 90. The threads were kinda boinked. The previous installer put some type of red silicone like compound on all of the threads. I tried every type of leverage before deciding the car jack was the solution. It took a…”
Several posts describe plumbers using risky or unconventional techniques, such as sweating elbows off tees and stacking wax rings to prevent leaks. These practices are considered dangerous and violate standard plumbing procedures.
SOURCES (10)
“Found a water spot on ceiling. I found the joint which looks like it’s been leaking for awhile. I have soldered an elbow copper pipe once before with no issue . The T is 1 inch reduced where leak is. Will i need to cut…”
“Found an active leak coming from a corroded solder joint where a 1.5" copper drain enters the main waste stack. It’s accessible from behind my kitchen cabinet (lazy Susan), so working in there is going to be annoying, but doable. What’s the best way to remediate this? submitted by /u/Nexion21 [link] [comments]”
“Plumbetrician here. I had a steel pipe threaded into a cast iron 90. The threads were kinda boinked. The previous installer put some type of red silicone like compound on all of the threads. I tried every type of leverage before deciding the car jack was the solution. It took a couple tries but once the pipe started moving everything was g2g. Starting out it was on the sketchy side but I am proud to say that I have all of my fingers and teeth. A small 1/2 hour job turned into 2 hours and 3 trips”
“Plumbetrician here. I had a steel pipe threaded into a cast iron 90. The threads were kinda boinked. The previous installer put some type of red silicone like compound on all of the threads. I tried every type of leverage before deciding the car jack was the solution. It took a couple tries but once the pipe started moving everything was g2g. Starting out it was on the sketchy side but I am proud to say that I have all of my fingers and teeth. A small 1/2 hour job turned into 2 hours and 3 trips”
“I have a very small leak coming from that copper ½" T and im wondering if its possible to patch it without removing it, or if i should replace it. Also since the T is failing does that also mean the pipes around should be replaced as well? submitted by /u/Lord_CHKN [link] [comments]”
“There’s corrosion (and a very slow leak) involving a T joint made of galvanized steel that’s connected to copper pipe. The joint is right up against a floor joist and subfloor of my bathroom. A plumber said he’d need to turn the T joint but there’s not enough space to fit a wrench around the joint to twist it. Is there a way to cut out the corroded pipe and rejoin the connection so it doesn’t corrode? submitted by /u/nairb3650 [link] [comments]”
“Replacing an upstairs tub drain flange in a newer Florida home. Got the old one out and discovered the PVC drain elbow threads were damaged/melted from the original install. Tried the new flange anyway (bad idea), it cross-threaded and ate up more of the threads. So now I need to access the drain to replace the elbow/W&O assembly. My access options are: A) Cut open the laundry room wall directly behind the tub B) Cut open the downstairs ceiling Which would you choose, and why? I know which o”
“I found this leak in my basement, the top pipe just separated from the top of the elbow. can I just clean the pipe and elbow really good and re-glue? or do I need to cut the pipe and get a new elbow? submitted by /u/MDnicoya [link] [comments]”
“That a terrible idea! Raise the flange to the correct elevation if needed, but stacking wax rings on top of each other is just asking for leaks. (Credentials: licensed master plumber who has been specializing in residential service work for decades)”
“You’ll be able to sweat off the elbow but actually sweating off the copper inside of the Tee will most likely melt the solder around the surrounding branches. You’ll also need to ensure there’s no water left over in the pipework or you’ll get nowhere. Pretty risky, even for a professional. Like someone else stated, place a wet rag around the right branch of the Tee, apply heat towards the far end of the elbow and wiggle the branch up and down whilst pulling to remove the elbow. Make sure you cle”