Been there, done that with the epoxy putty... held just long enough for me to feel smug about it, then BAM, soggy mess under the sink. Learned my lesson the hard way. Honestly, plumbing is one of those things where shortcuts usually bite you later. Plus, water damage means mold, and mold means more chemicals and waste—definitely not eco-friendly. If you're handy, replacing a pipe isn't rocket science, but if you're unsure... calling a pro saves money (and sanity) in the long run.
"Honestly, plumbing is one of those things where shortcuts usually bite you later."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen way too many DIY "quick fixes" turn into late-night disasters. Sure, epoxy putty or duct tape might buy you a little time, but water has a sneaky way of finding its way out eventually. And when it does... well, you already know the soggy story.
But I do think there's value in learning basic plumbing skills. Replacing a simple pipe or tightening fittings isn't too complicated if you're patient and willing to learn. YouTube tutorials can be surprisingly helpful (and entertaining—some of those DIY fails are comedy gold). Still, if you're dealing with something more complex or just aren't confident, calling in a pro is definitely worth it. Water damage cleanup and mold remediation are no joke—both for your wallet and the environment.
Curious though, anyone here actually had long-term success with epoxy putty? Maybe I'm just unlucky...
Epoxy putty worked fine for me once...for about six months. Then one random Tuesday, I found myself ankle-deep in water. Lesson learned—temporary fixes are exactly that, temporary. Better to bite the bullet early and fix it properly.
Been there myself...tried a quick fix on a leaky pipe under the sink once, thinking I'd save some cash. Worked great—until it didn't. Ended up costing me double when I finally called in a plumber to fix my "fix." You're right, temporary solutions just delay the inevitable. Better to spend a bit more upfront and sleep easy knowing your basement won't turn into an indoor pool overnight.
I've had my share of plumbing adventures too—learned the hard way that quick fixes are usually just ticking time bombs. If you're ever in a pinch though, here's a quick checklist I follow: first, shut off the water (obvious, but you'd be surprised...), second, dry and clean the pipe thoroughly before applying any temporary patch or tape. Third, monitor closely for leaks afterward. But honestly, unless it's Sunday night and your plumber's on vacation, calling a pro is almost always cheaper in the long run.
