Is it ever worth trying to patch up old pipes, or is it just better to bite the bullet and replace them?
Honestly, I’ve been in your shoes—my place is from the 40s and I kept patching leaks for years. It worked for a while, but eventually I realized I was just delaying the inevitable (and wasting water). If you can swing it, replacing old pipes is usually less stressful in the long run. Plus, you’ll probably save on water bills and avoid those “full-blown mess” situations. It’s not fun upfront, but peace of mind is worth a lot.
I get where you’re coming from. I tried patching a couple of spots under my sink when I first moved in, thinking it’d buy me some time. It did, but only for a few months—then the leaks got worse and I ended up with water damage in the cabinet. If your pipes are really old, patching feels like putting a band-aid on a bigger problem. It’s a pain to shell out for new pipes, but honestly, I wish I’d just done it sooner. Less hassle in the long run.
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen folks try to patch up old pipes thinking it’ll hold. Sometimes you get lucky, but most of the time, those temporary fixes just make things worse down the line. If your pipes are showing their age, replacing them is usually the smarter move—saves you from bigger headaches and water damage later. Quick fixes rarely last, especially under a kitchen sink where there’s so much moisture and movement.
I get where you’re coming from about temporary fixes not holding up. I’ve tried patching a small leak under my kitchen sink before with one of those “as seen on TV” wraps. It worked for maybe a week, then the drip came back even worse. Ended up with a warped cabinet bottom and a lot more hassle than if I’d just replaced the pipe to begin with.
But I do wonder—how do you decide when it’s actually time to replace the whole section versus just swapping out a fitting or tightening something? Sometimes it feels like overkill to rip everything out if it’s just a little drip. I know older pipes can be a ticking time bomb, but if the rest of the plumbing looks solid, is it worth trying to repair just the problem area, or is that just asking for trouble down the road?
I’m also curious about what materials people are using for replacements these days. I’ve seen folks recommend PEX over copper or PVC, but I’m not sure if that’s just hype or if there’s a real advantage. For anyone who’s done this kind of job themselves, did you notice any difference in how easy it was to install or how well it holds up in a kitchen environment?
I’m all for doing things right the first time, but sometimes the “right way” seems like a moving target depending on who you ask...
Kitchen sink disaster—DIY or call a plumber?
Man, I totally get the frustration with those quick fixes. I’ve been burned by “miracle” tapes and putties more than once—usually ends up costing more in the long run. As for when to replace versus repair, I think it depends a lot on what you’re seeing. If it’s just a loose fitting or a worn-out washer, tightening or swapping that out makes sense. But if you notice corrosion, cracks, or if the pipe feels brittle (especially with old metal pipes), I’d lean toward replacing at least that section. Sometimes you start with a small fix and realize the whole thing is on its last legs.
On materials, I’m a big fan of PEX these days. It’s way easier to work with than copper—no soldering, just cut and crimp. Plus, it handles freezing better and doesn’t corrode. Some folks swear by copper for longevity, but honestly, PEX has held up great in my kitchen so far. PVC is fine for drains but not for supply lines, in my opinion.
It’s true, though—the “right way” seems to change depending on who you ask. I guess it comes down to balancing effort, cost, and peace of mind... sometimes ripping out the old stuff is just less stressful in the end.
