Hi just discovered that I have a very small drip leak coming from a pipe join it is located in airing cupboard its a pipe from pump which joins at the top of a piece of pipe which is about twice the width of the normal pipes. The gas engineer who came to do the service says that this expanded pipework isn't used anymore (system only ten years old!) and they can't get a replacement so would have to reroute the pipes and this would be expensive!!

anyway thought I'd have a go at fixing it myself tried mixing some leak filler paste I got from homebase which claims you can fix it to damp pipes but it didn't work so ended up wrapping ptfe tape round which seems to be better but not sure its perfect (will it harden and seal?). I don't want to drain the system so was wondering if its possible to use anything to seal the joint or whether its possible to resolder the joint without draining.

Any plumbers?

Not a plumber but I had a similar problem and found that all the repair kits I tried where no good, in the end you will have to drain and resolder. IMO.

Any decent "old school" plumber should be able to sort this for you.

"Old school" as in a proper time served plumber, not one thats done the course at college (paid for by the dole office) and passed the exams but has feck all practical ability.

I had to send a "plumber" off site a few months back 'cos he was cr@p and I ended up fixing his appalling(sp?) pipework.

"Push fit" is swearing in my book!

Any decent "old school" plumber should be able to sort this for you.

"Old school" as in a proper time served plumber, not one thats done the course at college (paid for by the dole office) and passed the exams but has feck all practical ability.

I had to send a "plumber" off site a few months back 'cos he was cr@p and I ended up fixing his appalling(sp?) pipework.

"Push fit" is swearing in my book!

Yes I think I know what you mean the gas engineer? british gas sent to do the annual service didn't even understand the central heating pipework and had to ring a supervisor who basically told her not to touch the scaling around the pipes in case it caused a leak makes me wonder what i'm paying an annual contract for but I guess trying to find a reliable experienced plumber that won't rip you off is like trying to find a needle in a haystack so will probably end up having a go myself.

could try a bung kit if your feeling brave can get them from plumb center etc you just basically put one bung in the cold feed in the tank, and one on the open vent this provides an air lock you could then cut into the pipe you will still get a small amount of water to begin with but once it has stopped it will enable you to replace the section but you must make sure that the pipe is dry other wise you wont get a good joint.

As i cant see the pipe you are trying to explain it is hard to give advice but if you are unsure i would recommend you drain the system unless you trust the above (ive never had no problems) or you are able to isolate the pipe.

Good luck anyway

Might be better to wait till after xmas if the drip isnt to bad!!!!

could try a bung kit if your feeling brave can get them from plumb center etc you just basically put one bung in the cold feed in the tank, and one on the open vent this provides an air lock you could then cut into the pipe you will still get a small amount of water to begin with but once it has stopped it will enable you to replace the section but you must make sure that the pipe is dry other wise you wont get a good joint.

As i cant see the pipe you are trying to explain it is hard to give advice but if you are unsure i would recommend you drain the system unless you trust the above (ive never had no problems) or you are able to isolate the pipe.

Good luck anyway

Might be better to wait till after xmas if the drip isnt to bad!!!!

Thanks I don't think I need to replace any pipework I just need to resolder the joint but don't want to drain system but I suppose the solder won't stick if joint damp.