Pipe repair clamps can be lifesavers in a pinch—especially for quick fixes on straight sections. I've used them plenty, and they're pretty reliable if installed right. Curious though, anyone had luck using them on older, corroded pipes?
"Curious though, anyone had luck using them on older, corroded pipes?"
I've had mixed results with clamps on corroded pipes—here's the thing: if the corrosion is superficial, sanding it down carefully and cleaning the area thoroughly before installing the clamp usually does the trick. But if the pipe's pretty badly rusted or thin-walled from age... honestly, you're just buying a little extra time. Had one burst on me a couple years back after a clamp fix. Learned my lesson: temporary fix, sure, but plan on replacing that section sooner rather than later.
I've had similar experiences with clamps on older pipes. Like you mentioned:
"if the corrosion is superficial, sanding it down carefully and cleaning the area thoroughly before installing the clamp usually does the trick."
This is spot-on advice. I'd just add that it's crucial to inspect the pipe carefully after sanding—sometimes corrosion can look superficial but actually runs deeper than you'd think. I once thought I'd fixed a minor leak on an old galvanized pipe with a clamp and some epoxy putty. It held up fine for a few months, but eventually, the pipe failed completely at another weak spot nearby. Thankfully, I was home when it happened, but it could've been a real mess otherwise...
So yeah, clamps can buy you some time, but if you're dealing with older pipes, especially galvanized ones, it's safer to plan for replacement sooner rather than later. Better safe than sorry when it comes to plumbing.
Good points all around. A couple more things I've learned the hard way dealing with older pipes:
- Even if the pipe looks okay after sanding, gently tapping it with a screwdriver handle or small wrench can help reveal hidden weak spots. A dull thud instead of a clear metallic ring usually means trouble lurking underneath.
- Consider the water pressure too—if it's consistently high, even minor corrosion can quickly escalate into leaks or bursts. Installing a pressure regulator valve isn't too expensive and can save you from nasty surprises.
- If you're already patching pipes regularly, it's probably time to budget for replacement. I've tried stretching things out longer than I should've... and trust me, emergency plumbing calls are way pricier (and way more stressful) than planned replacements.
Bottom line: clamps and quick fixes are handy short-term solutions, but if you're seeing recurring issues, bite the bullet and upgrade sooner rather than later.
Solid advice, especially about tapping the pipes—saved me from a nasty leak once. Pressure regulators are underrated too, wish I'd installed mine sooner. Definitely cheaper than emergency calls at midnight... learned that lesson the hard way.
