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Need a cheap fix for a waste pipe in the basement

Is the missing chunk from the top or from the bottom of the pipe? Meaning, can the waste still flow while you're repairing it, and it won't touch the patch, or should the patch material be waterproof while still fresh?  Was it a straight run of the pipe and not any of the fittings? Is the pipe painted? If it's just rusted now, I've no idea how you can pretend that no patching has been done - it would be nearly impossible to reproduce authentic rust on a new material.

Patching this pipe will result in at least some obstruction to the normal flow, which means it may probably cause blockage at some point in the future - do you care?

So, if you don't really care about the patch catching hair and other fibrous stuff (which we won't get into details about) and potentially creating a clog a  few years down the line, I would do this:

Buy steel wire mesh, the smallest they sell at Lowes should be fine. Better not more than 1/8" (or 8 mesh per inch) mesh size, if they carry it. Cut a piece slightly (2" extra should work) wider than the opening and much longer than the opening's height - preferably close to that of the pipe's internal diameter. It's springy, so roll it up just enough to feed into the opening and let it spring back into shape covering the opening from the inside. DO NOT LOSE IT! If it flows down the drain and gets stuck there, your issues will compound big time. I would tie a strong twine to the mesh just in case and leave plenty of extra length in that twine so I can fish it back out if I lost it.  

With the mesh screen in position, mix some two-part epoxy putty/clay such as Apoxie (

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)  or Oatey (sold at Lowes:
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and apply to the mesh screen. It dries (cures) fast, so you only have about 20 minutes to apply, spread, smooth and perhaps scratch a message to the ex on it.

Be sure to overlap the edges of the opening because these epoxy putties don't stick to wet surfaces well, so you need to go over to the dry, outer side and overlap to create a good seal. I would wrap it with some cling wrap till next morning just so heavy toilet use does not damage your handy work.  When it's completely set (overnight), remove the wrap and perhaps paint into some matching color.

This should do the trick on a straight pipe.

Good luck!

Reply to
homeowners
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The day I was served w divorce papers, I picked up a barbell in the basement and threw it in a fit of rage. Yes, I know... Well. I hit a very thick cast iron pipe that carries the toilet waste from the house and now there is a 6" x 4" chunk missing from the pipe. To prevent leakage temporarily,I duct taped the crap out of it- layers upon layers and it is adequately jury rigged for now.

Is there anything I can do to patch this hole and paint something over it before the ex finds out?

Please help! Thanks

Reply to
Susan

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