I noticed a small wet patch in my basement drop cieling. I removed the panel to find a pipe that seems to lead from my toilet to the sewer line leading out of the house. It is at a point where the pipes join and there is a seam. Do I sodder? Do I patch?? If anyone knows how I can fix this please HELP!!!
I'd use NuMetal Epoxy Putty from KBS Coatings. It adheres to copper and will stop leaks. See link for more info.
Yes you do. It's running lean and that is no good for it.
Not too sure where these guys get their info about copper not being used as drain lines. 30 years ago, everyone who was anyone, wanted nothing but copper for their plumbing piping, both water supply and drainage. Now 30 years later, they're finding that leaks, such as yours, develope in the lines, just because they ARE copper and subject to severe corrosion under many different types of circumstances. The drain lines, such as yours, aren't usually that tough to repair, if the leak is in a fairly accessable place in the line. If, as you say, it's coming from a joint, then there are numerous ways to seal it. You could simply smear a layer or two of clear silicone sealant on it and let it dry, or if you're handy with tools and have some experience soldering copper, you could clean around the joint and resolder it, or you could wrap an old bicycle or auto inner tube piece around it and clamp it.
