For the homeowner it seems that various combinations of black electrical tape, duct tape, masking tape and shoe-goo are the solution to most plumbing leaks. My friend Charles Buell believes that, given the choice, masking tape is superior. Personally, I go with the duct tape.
Seriously, it seems that people do not realize that pipes, if gaskets and fittings are in decent shape and properly in place, do not need glue and tape. Below is a nice example of what the inspector sees.
It would be much more practical to properly repair this than to monkey around with it. Also, how about that fungus, shall we say mold, creeping up or down the wall? That sheet rock would not require serious cleaning or replacement at this point had the trap been maintained.
Homeowners can be their own worst enemy. How much better to have taken care of this before putting the home on the market. If the inspector uses the M word in describing the sheet rock, with some buyers they will run as fast as they can. Even though it probably should not, the M word strikes fear into the hearts of men and women.
Thanks for stopping by,
Steven L. Smith
Washington State Licensed Home Inspector #207
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I have seen a number of these over the years as well. Generally when you go to fix them you end up replacing many more pieces of pipe than originally expected. Got to love the plumbers epoxy, gets hard makes a mess and keeps on leaking.