Plumbing Repairs Are Not Fun

The past month was filled with lots of plumbing repairs—copper pipe pinhole leaks, cracked ABS drain pipe, and failed pressure regulator valve. Ripping off the basement drywall ceiling and drop ceiling tiles as well as all the supporting framing turned out to be a bigger project in the way.

One pinhole leak, two pinhole leaks, and more...

The first pinhole leak developed back in June in the middle of a 1/2" cold supply copper pipe in the furnace room, I waited for 3 weeks before getting it fixed with PEX tubing and sharkbite fittings. It didn't cause any damages since pipe was exposed and slow pinhole leak was just a tiny drop of water. Later the 3/4" pipe of the main supply surprised me in an early morning with a big water puddle on the drywall ceiling. I first cut two access panels and replaced that section. Two days later, another 3 leaks discovered on the same main pipe near the inlet. I decided to rip off the entire basement ceiling and framing work to replace that whole section with 10' PEX tubing.

It was challenging to remove all the framing work around the ductwork. I used claw hammer and crowbar to tackle the stubborn nails.

Upon more careful inspection—also thanks to the exposed ceiling—another slow leak was observed over the ductwork between two joists. It's a very tight spot and cutting out the leaking section became extremely hard. My final fix was a piece of 1/16" rubber with a stainless steel hose clamp. On one hand, it's definitely a temporary repair and I've been monitoring it constantly. On the other hand, nothing more permanent than a temporary repair.

Cracked ABS drain pipe

I consider it's a good thing. A cracked ABS drain pipe came to my attention during additional ceiling inspection. It was in a very tight spot by the cornor of ceiling and wall. Cutting is not an option. I ended up using some homemade ABS paste (ABS cement mixed with ABS sawdust) and sealed the crack. Also cut a C-shaped collar/clamp to reinforce from outside. As a result of this fix, the mysterious sewer smell under kitchen sink is gone.

Failed water pressure reducing valve

I knew nothing about the water pressure regulator until I realized mine has failed... Yes, it was nearly 100 PSI when I tested with a water pressure gauge on the outside hose bib and hot water tank. The original part is discontinued, glad that I was able to find a perfect replacement. Took me and my wife 2 hours to swap out the old one and screw on the new one. We were very careful not to damage any parts when applying force on the 26-year-old unions. Yellow teflon tape that I used for oil drain plug on my Jeep's oil change and Bule Monster pipe dope from a few years back worked together to achieve a perfect seal. I was also able to shift the vertical pipe 1/4" to be as close to its original position to release the tension that was probably due to a new water meter was installed a few years ago.

The pressure reducing valve may have failed a few years ago, maybe the loud water hammer in the past winter seasons had already singaled this. Likely it has been contributing to the pinhole leaks too. The new valve made a noticeble difference and now the water pressure is down to 50 PSI with little noise when the city water goes into the house.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

With all the pinhole leaks in basement, I started worrying about the old pipes going upstairs... Looked into repiping and its cost too. My worry slowly goes away day after day, and I decide to keep monitoring.