temporary fix on hole in heat pipe

we had a pin hole temporarily fixed by a plumber. he put a clamp over that area of the pipe. how long could that “temporary” fix last (approximation)?  our plumber was nice, but vague any time i asked this question. (trying to avoid buying new pipes at the moment). 


tbanks!


I've had a clamp on one of my main steam pipes for about 3 years. Probably not a good fix but it has lasted for me.


Might last a long time, or you might get more leaks elsewhere very soon.  No way to tell.


I would make a quick inspection daily and if there is no change let it ride until the spring.  


FilmCarp said:
Might last a long time, or you might get more leaks elsewhere very soon.  No way to tell.

This is the truth.

Let it ride like Red Barchetta says. It may last quite a while.

But don't be surprised if you find a puddle of water under a different part of the pipe and no heat.


Have had similar experiences to the various possibilities listed above.  The minerals in the water can actually build up to help form a “scab” that helps seal a temporary patch.  You can  often see on a pipe the beginnings of a problem before the water begins to come out.  If there are a number of those on a section of pipe you might want to begin budgeting for a Spring  repair.  Sometimes just replacing just a couple of feet of piping will be enough.  Good luck!


one data point: my clamp patch has held up for several years



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