Bent C/h Water Pipe Leak

[johntywino]

Bit of lounge ceiling going brown....Took up a floorboard...Beneath are 2x 1/2" pipes cut off 3" from the joints and then bent over flat...This was done 28 to 30 years ago, and now one is dropping a spot of water probably about every half hour. I am going to put a largish bowl under,thinking that anything that drips in will evaporate and not start to fill the bowl. I can't really see it getting much worse,but is there ANYTHING that I can put on, wrap round or generally improve it ???? Thanks in advance for any useful tips! John

[KJN]

You can get end plugs to put on the pipe, something I had to do a few years ago, cut the pipe back an inch before the bent over piece and end plug them.

[buildersmate]

Yes, I'd do that - using a compression-type end cap (rather than a soldered one). Not difficult to do as a DIY job (as no soldering using blow-torch required) and makes a permanent job of it.

[johntywino]

This probably involves draining down the system,and at my age (78) a bit too much work....Is there no sort of tape etc that will hold it till I'm gone,then it'll be the wifes problem (she's a tad younger and much fitter)

[tonyav]

Yes you cut it of where it's bent over and put a blanking cap on it.

[tonyav]

Ooops should have looked at replies first.

[RATTER15]

It really needs to be capped properly or will cause more damage for sure.

[johntywino]

Hi Ratter, I will have to hope for the best,as there's no way I'm going through the hassle of draining down! If it gets too bad I will have to get a man in.. John

[Hymie]

Given that you do not propose to effect a recommended good fix; since the drip rate is of the order of two per hour – placing a bowl beneath the pipe will result in the same issue once the bowl fills.

Therefore I would suggest your bodge fix consists of the largest shallow tray (baking tin) you can fit in the available space and place a layer of tissue/kitchen paper/towel covering the internal tray base.
This should result in the dripping water evaporating and the tray not filling. But should the leak rate increase, eventually the water will start dripping through the ceiling.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

If you dont want to drain down and you prefer a bodge then as I assume the pipes are old flow and return...... you get a short piece of hose...warm the ends in hot water and slide them over the two pipes to form a loop...secure them with jubilee clips.

[The Builder]

Johnty ...... there is no "easy" solution I'm afraid. An alternative to draining would be to buy a simple freezing kit to apply to both pipes, then cut off the folded part and blank off permanently.

You can use these as opposed to the compression blanks. Most plumbers carry a few in the toolbox these days, even if they work solely in copper.......

http://www.screwfix.com/p/polyplumb-socket-ends-15mm-pack-of-2/31175

Folded & hammered ends can work well for years. You could simply hold something like a lump hammer under the pipe (as an anvil), than give it another good hammering.

If you can flatten the pipes a bit further back (to stop the flow), then it's an easy job to clean and apply solder to the flattened ends. Capillary action will get the molten solder into the pipe.

Failing all that...... I like Brighty's suggestion. He must have been a Boy Scout at one time. A good idea ;o)

[johntywino]

10 out of 10 for the last two answers....I'll try the hose first and see if it's ok...Thanks all. John.

[diddlydo]

Couldn't you just call a plumber?