I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had better luck with pipe tape on higher pressure lines than I expected—key thing is how well the joint is prepped. If it’s bone dry and you wrap tight, it’ll hold for a bit, though I wouldn’t trust it long-term. About the self-fusing silicone tape: tried it once on a copper pinhole leak. It slowed the drip but didn’t stop it. Maybe it works better on different materials? Honestly, nothing beats a proper fix, but in a pinch, both tapes can buy you a little time... just don’t count on miracles.
Honestly, nothing beats a proper fix, but in a pinch, both tapes can buy you a little time... just don’t count on miracles.
Couldn’t agree more—tape’s like the duct tape of plumbing: gets you out of a jam, but you’re rolling the dice. I’ve had silicone tape hold on PVC for a weekend, but copper? Not so much. Ever tried those epoxy putty sticks for pinholes? Curious if they’re any better than tape for a quick patch.
Epoxy putty’s actually saved my butt once when a copper pipe started leaking behind the washing machine. Here’s what worked for me: I turned off the water, dried the area as best I could, kneaded the putty, and pressed it right over the pinhole. It held for about two days—long enough to get a plumber in. Tape never stuck well to copper for me either, especially if there was any moisture left. If you’re in a bind, putty’s worth a shot, but yeah... nothing beats a real fix.
Honestly, you handled that leak about as well as anyone could in a pinch. Epoxy putty is one of those things I always recommend folks keep around for emergencies—like you said, it’ll buy you time until a proper repair can happen. Tape’s hit or miss, especially on copper and if there’s any dampness left. The key steps you took—shutting off the water and drying the area—make all the difference. Nothing wrong with a temporary fix when you’re in a jam, just don’t trust it for too long.
I’ve had mixed luck with pipe tape, honestly. Once tried it on a pinhole in a copper line and it slowed the drip, but didn’t stop it for long. Maybe it works better on threaded joints? Curious if anyone’s had better luck with it on PVC or PEX.