My second-floor kitchen drain is leaking behind the wall.<\/p>\n
The drain is a 2-inch galvanized pipe.<\/p>\n
The leak is between the first and second floors.<\/p>\n
An inspection camera showed a seam opened about 1\/8 inch.<\/p>\n
Should I wrap the pipe with epoxy tape or replace the bad galvanized drain with PVC?<\/p>\n The safer long-term fix is to open the wall, support the pipe, remove the bad galvanized section, and replace it with properly sized PVC.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n Epoxy tape may slow a small leak for a short time.<\/p>\n But this leak is behind a wall.<\/p>\n That makes it a bigger risk.<\/p>\n A failed patch could leak again without warning.<\/p>\n Water may damage framing, drywall, cabinets, and flooring.<\/p>\n An old galvanized drain pipe can also rust from the inside.<\/p>\n So the visible split may not be the only weak spot.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The better plan is to make a clean access opening near the first-floor kitchen tee.<\/p>\n Then the old galvanized tee can be removed.<\/p>\n The pipe above and below the tee should be supported before any cuts are made.<\/p>\n This is very important with a tall 2-inch galvanized pipe.<\/p>\n That pipe can be heavy and hard to control.<\/p>\n Working near stairs adds more risk.<\/p>\n Cinder blocks should not be used as a work platform.<\/p>\n A stable ladder, scaffold, or safe platform is a better choice.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Before cutting, fasten solid blocking across the framing.<\/p>\n Use strong pipe straps or a rated lifting method.<\/p>\n Paracord may not be safe for this job.<\/p>\n The pipe can shift, bind, or drop while being cut.<\/p>\n A reciprocating saw with a metal blade can cut galvanized pipe.<\/p>\n But the pipe must be held before the final cut.<\/p>\n Once loose, the pipe can be lowered into the basement.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The new drain should match the needed pipe size.<\/p>\n Use approved shielded transition couplings where PVC meets metal pipe.<\/p>\n Follow local code for pipe size, slope, venting, and cleanouts.<\/p>\n You can review general drain and vent code terms at the International Code Council<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also read safe ladder guidance from OSHA ladder safety.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n This is not just a small pipe leak.<\/p>\n It is a hidden drain failure between floors.<\/p>\n Opening the wall is more work now.<\/p>\n But it gives you a real repair.<\/p>\n It also helps prevent water damage later.<\/p>\n<\/section>\nAnswer<\/h2>\n
Why Epoxy Tape Is Not My First Choice<\/h2>\n
A Better Repair Plan<\/h2>\n
Cutting and Lowering the Pipe<\/h2>\n
Replacing With PVC<\/h2>\n
Final Thought<\/h2>\n