Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried those “quick fixes” with my bathroom sink before—duct tape, plumber’s putty, all that—and it just turned into a bigger mess. Ended up having to replace a section of pipe anyway. It’s tempting to just patch things up and hope for the best, but you’re right, green corrosion is usually a sign it’s time to stop fighting it.
That said, sometimes I still try to see if I can get away with a temporary fix, especially if I’m waiting on a part or just can’t deal with it right then. But if water damage is even a remote possibility, I start thinking about the cost of repairs vs. just doing it right the first time. Peace of mind’s worth a lot.
If you’re seeing green corrosion, that’s usually copper pipes reacting to moisture—definitely a red flag. I get the urge to slap on some tape or putty just to buy time, but honestly, those quick fixes rarely hold up for long. Here’s what I’d do if you’re stuck between DIY and calling in a pro:
1. Shut off the water under the sink first—don’t risk a flood.
2. Dry everything off and check how bad the corrosion is. If it’s just surface-level, you might get away with cleaning it up and tightening connections.
3. For leaks at joints or pinholes, a temporary fix like epoxy putty can work for a few days, but don’t trust it for longer than that.
4. If the pipe feels soft or flakes apart when you touch it, that’s a sign it’s too far gone—time to replace.
Honestly, if water damage is even a remote possibility (like you said), I’d lean toward replacing the section or calling someone in. The cost of fixing cabinets or floors later is way worse than just dealing with the pipe now. Learned that one the hard way after ignoring a slow drip under my own sink...
I hear you on the cost of water damage—been there, done that, and it’s not cheap. I’ve patched a few leaks myself with putty or tape just to get through the weekend, but like you said, it’s never a long-term fix. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth learning how to swap out a section of copper pipe myself instead of calling someone every time. Has anyone here actually tried replacing a bit of pipe under the sink? Was it as tricky as it looks, or is it doable with basic tools? I’m all for saving money, but I don’t want to end up making things worse and paying double later...
“I’m all for saving money, but I don’t want to end up making things worse and paying double later...”
Man, I hear you. Last winter I thought I’d be clever and swap out a leaky copper elbow under the kitchen sink myself. Watched a couple YouTube videos, picked up a torch and some solder... Next thing I know, I’m chasing a pinhole leak that wouldn’t quit and my smoke alarm’s going off from the flux fumes. Ended up calling the plumber anyway, and he had to redo my handiwork. Honestly, if you’ve never sweated copper before, it’s trickier than it looks—especially in tight spots. Sometimes paying for peace of mind is worth it, at least when water’s involved.
“if you’ve never sweated copper before, it’s trickier than it looks—especially in tight spots.”
Totally get this. First time I tried sweating a joint, I thought I had it nailed—looked fine, no leaks at first. Came back an hour later and there was a slow drip right where I’d heated it too much. Ended up cutting it out and starting over. Honestly, sometimes the “cheap” fix just isn’t worth the headache, especially with water lines. But hey, you do learn a lot from messing up... just wish it didn’t always cost extra.
