Easy way to fix leaks on old brass drains?

Quackerjack · 11-09-2012, 05:14 AM

Help! I have a leak in the p-trap under my tub and another leak from the overflow on the tub. I'm pretty sure it's brass. Is there an easy and not so costly way to fix these myself? I've worked a bit with ABS and copper supply pipes before but not this. Photos are below.

Can I clean it up, empty the p-trap and solder around it? But in any case, for the overflow, I definitely would not be able to reach it from behind.

Someone on Yahoo Answers suggested this:

Quote:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I just did this in our restaurant. If it's a pipe that doesn't have a lot of pressure running through it (less than 100 psi.) then try this:

Get some radiator repair compound from a auto-parts store (the kind that comes in a little roll that you have to mix by squishing together).

Prepare enough to wrap around the entire joint or pipe, wrap it, let it set (about an hour) and voila, fixed leak.

Is this really valid?

This is a view from the bottom of the tub. At the top is the overflow drain that is leaking -- you can see the wet strip going down the outside of the tub.

joecaption · 11-09-2012, 06:58 AM

There is no fixing that, time to replace the whole thing.

**oh'mike** · 11-09-2012, 07:17 AM

Yep--that's a soldered copper P-trap----

You should be able to replace the entire drain set and P-trap from below---

A solvent weld set might be easier than one with compression fittings.

Quackerjack · 11-09-2012, 02:03 PM

Ok I guess I can check with Home Depot and figure out how to transition to ABS or PVC so I can solvent weld in a new p-trap ...

Any ideas on the overflow drain that is up higher and in a tight space only reachable by one hand?

DannyT · 11-09-2012, 02:08 PM

looks like the overflow just needs a new rubber washer and if you clean the joint really good on the trap it could be resoldered. i have done it many times. the epoxy that someone mentioned would work also but you still have to get it clean.

Quackerjack · 11-09-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyT

looks like the overflow just needs a new rubber washer and if you clean the joint really good on the trap it could be resoldered. i have done it many times. the epoxy that someone mentioned would work also but you still have to get it clean.

Danny, you're awesome. I've never replaced the overflow washer before (or even removed the plate) but this is exactly the problem. So simple.

I'll go with the waterweld epoxy putty too for the p-trap since it's hard to reach the other side of the pipe. But good to know I could also resolder as an option.

Thanks very much for your help!