Very slow leak in ABS Drain joint - How to fix (temporarily) without replacing?

[Edge of Reason]

We have a lift station in the basement that pumps out our bathroom water (sink, shower, toilet) to a septic tank which is above the basement bathroom. The lift station drain plumbing drains 45-degrees into the larger main drain. Every time the pump runs, the pipe has a bit of a rattle and I think that is what's caused a very slow leak from the junction. The plumbing is a bit of a mess (I didn't do it) ... but it has worked for the last 18 years without fail.



Because this bathroom's lift station is located below the top of my septic tank (and it's the middle of winter) I would rather not have a plumber come in and cut the drain to fix it at the moment. I'd feel a lot better if the septic was pumped before the arrived so it doesn't all end up in my basement so I'll wait till spring if I can't permanently fix it myself.

I tried using some of that black rubberized stretchy pipe leak tape, which worked for a while, but then the tape bulged and when I took it off it was all wet underneath. I googled other options and epoxy came up but I think plumbing epoxy would crack because of the rattle in the pipe (which I can't tie down). Because of the angle there isn't enough room to use one of those nifty clamp things.


Has anyone used liquid rubber sealant that comes in a spray can? Would that be better than caulk? If you used caulk, what kind should I use (because it's always damp and I'm worried it wouldn't adhere)? Have I thought of all my options?

[Wrenchturner]

This is abs, not pvc.  You could try simply applying abs cement externally but I wouldn't recommend it.  Leaks are harder to stop externally when under pressure.

I would make abs paste with abs shavings and acetone, then abrade the entire circumference with red scotchbrite, and apply generously.  Let it cure a couple days before rattling the pipe or introducing any amount of moisture.

[Edge of Reason]

This is abs, not pvc.  You could try simply applying abs cement externally but I wouldn't recommend it.  Leaks are harder to stop externally when under pressure.

I would make abs paste with abs shavings and acetone, then abrade the entire circumference with red scotchbrite, and apply generously.  Let it cure a couple days before rattling the pipe or introducing any amount of moisture.

Thanks! That's an option I hadn't considered. I'll also update the post title to reflect the type of drain.

[Fishindude]

Flexseal !

[Wrenchturner]

This is abs, not pvc.  You could try simply applying abs cement externally but I wouldn't recommend it.  Leaks are harder to stop externally when under pressure.

I would make abs paste with abs shavings and acetone, then abrade the entire circumference with red scotchbrite, and apply generously.  Let it cure a couple days before rattling the pipe or introducing any amount of moisture.

Thanks! That's an option I hadn't considered. I'll also update the post title to reflect the type of drain.

You're welcome.  Just make sure there isn't any water or debris in the area. Especially water.

[Edge of Reason]

This is abs, not pvc.  You could try simply applying abs cement externally but I wouldn't recommend it.  Leaks are harder to stop externally when under pressure.

I would make abs paste with abs shavings and acetone, then abrade the entire circumference with red scotchbrite, and apply generously.  Let it cure a couple days before rattling the pipe or introducing any amount of moisture.

Thanks! That's an option I hadn't considered. I'll also update the post title to reflect the type of drain.

You're welcome.  Just make sure there isn't any water or debris in the area. Especially water.

That may be an issue, I never know when it leaks...I just see water every now and then.

[Edge of Reason]

Flexseal !

Have you used Flexseal before Fishindude? Any tips?

I sat in the store and compared Flexseal with the Rustoleum equivalent (googled reviews etc.) and ended up buying the Rustoleum because it said it was basically the same as Flexseal but handled all temps (sometimes that drain handles hot water).

[Fishindude]

Flexseal !

Have you used Flexseal before Fishindude? Any tips?

I sat in the store and compared Flexseal with the Rustoleum equivalent (googled reviews etc.) and ended up buying the Rustoleum because it said it was basically the same as Flexseal but handled all temps (sometimes that drain handles hot water).

I was only joking.
Would be very surprised if that junk works.

[Wrenchturner]

This is abs, not pvc.  You could try simply applying abs cement externally but I wouldn't recommend it.  Leaks are harder to stop externally when under pressure.

I would make abs paste with abs shavings and acetone, then abrade the entire circumference with red scotchbrite, and apply generously.  Let it cure a couple days before rattling the pipe or introducing any amount of moisture.

Thanks! That's an option I hadn't considered. I'll also update the post title to reflect the type of drain.

You're welcome.  Just make sure there isn't any water or debris in the area. Especially water.

That may be an issue, I never know when it leaks...I just see water every now and then.

Probably occurs during or after pumping.  Does this operate with a float?  The pipe might continue to hold liquid after pumping.  It may or may not siphon back down.  How long does the leak run for? Can you run the pump a few hours before doing the repair, dry it, do the work, then leave it off a couple days?  You can still try the "paint it with abs cement" method if you want.  It might work if you get good application. If it doesn't you can still do an abs cement repair.
The vibration might undo a cement repair though.  And water in the glue will definitely prevent a seal from forming properly.

There might be an abs paste in a tube available with a nozzle for better application, I don't know.

[Milspecstache]

Going to give you a million dollar tip that works for PVC.  Find a way to make the joint airtight via cleanouts or disassembly as much as you can.  Then put a wet-dry vac on one end to draw as much vacuum as you can.  Then wipe solvent cleaner on the joint followed by glue as you turn off the vacuum.

I used to cut out joints that failed until I discovered this.  Saves me days of work now.

[Sibley]

Damage prevention possibility: if this bathroom is a 2nd bathroom, try not to use it. If there's no water in the pipe, it can't leak. Will help until you can fix it.

[Wrenchturner]

Going to give you a million dollar tip that works for PVC.  Find a way to make the joint airtight via cleanouts or disassembly as much as you can.  Then put a wet-dry vac on one end to draw as much vacuum as you can.  Then wipe solvent cleaner on the joint followed by glue as you turn off the vacuum.

I used to cut out joints that failed until I discovered this.  Saves me days of work now.

That's a neat trick, thanks!