I’ve had the same luck with those tapes—sometimes they hold, sometimes they just make a sticky mess. I tried a bit of bicycle inner tube once, wrapped tight and clamped, and it actually held overnight until the plumber showed up. Not sure how “green” that is, but at least it’s reusing something. Has anyone tried those silicone self-fusing tapes? Wondering if they’re any better or just more plastic waste in disguise...
I’ve wondered about those silicone tapes too. They promise a quick fix, but I’m skeptical about how much better they are than just using what you have on hand. The inner tube idea is clever—at least it’s not single-use plastic. I’d be curious if the silicone actually holds up under pressure or just stretches out and leaks anyway... seems like sometimes the “latest thing” is just more stuff to throw away.
I get the skepticism, but I’ve actually used silicone tape for a small pinhole leak in copper, and it held up longer than I expected—like, a couple days until we could shut off the water and fix it properly. It’s not perfect, but it’s way less messy than duct tape or rubber. The stretchiness helps it seal tight if you wrap it right. Not saying it’s a miracle fix, just that sometimes the new stuff does have a use... at least in emergencies.
It’s not perfect, but it’s way less messy than duct tape or rubber.
- Gotta admit, I tried duct tape once in a panic and ended up with a soggy mess and a very unimpressed spouse. Silicone tape sounds like a step up.
- The “couple days” thing is impressive—my quick fixes usually last about as long as my willpower at a donut shop.
- Anyone ever try those clamp-on pipe repair kits? Curious if they’re worth keeping in the toolbox or just another “as seen on TV” gimmick...
Anyone ever try those clamp-on pipe repair kits? Curious if they’re worth keeping in the toolbox or just another “as seen on TV” gimmick...
- Tried a clamp-on kit once during a late-night leak. It held up, but only for a couple days—definitely not a permanent fix.
- Silicone tape’s less messy than duct tape, but I’d still keep towels handy.
- If water’s spraying, always shut off the main first. Quick fixes are just that—quick.
