A pipe in utility room is leaking cold water

Nadeem
by Nadeem
It's running below ceiling. It's a wide black pipe.
The black pipe goes into laundary room and upstairs
  9 answers
  • Betty Betty on Nov 19, 2014
    Looks like it may be a sewer pipe. Probably should call a plumber to get it fixed.
  • Linda Olson Linda Olson on Nov 19, 2014
    Hate to say it, that looks like a sewer pipe to me also,,,,I would call a plumber, could be unsafe.
  • Saskalily Saskalily on Nov 19, 2014
    Yikes don't waste time online, call the plumber! It is sewage and full of bacteria. And then get to know your house. It is your biggest investment.
  • Nadeem Nadeem on Nov 19, 2014
    Thanks for reply. However, called the plumber and was cold water inlet to water heater.
  • John John on Nov 19, 2014
    It looks too big from the picture for a cold water inlet. Is it wrapped for insulation from the cold? From the picture I agree, it looks like an old cast iron sewage pipe. Leaking water anywhere will cause mold and mildew. It also looks like you have water stains on the wall behind the pipe. Was it caused from the pipe leaking or do you have other issues with leaking pipes? Not to step on toes, and I'm just a guilty as any, but it looks like some time could be used to clean up the piping. Since you live in cold country, more pipes should be wrapped for cold and heat protection. A lot of pipes appear unsupported which over time will cause leaks. Long pipe runs unsupported will put stress on the solder pipe joints and cause leaks. (Experience here). You also have an electrical outlet where water appears to be dripping? Change the outlet box to one that has a trip fuse so it will stop the electrical power in case it gets wet. It could be a shocking event some day when you least expect it. I know your basement looks no different that millions of basement all over the USA, but a little money up front will save hundreds of dollars later, and usually in the dead of winter.
  • Mssmatch Mssmatch on Nov 19, 2014
    cold water inlet???? better call another plumber!
  • Nadeem Nadeem on Nov 19, 2014
    Actually it turned out to be pipe right above that black pipe
  • Nadeem Nadeem on Nov 19, 2014
    And John is right black pipe is wrapped for insulation. All water marks are from this leak. I'm certainly going to follow advice about insulating pipes and getting a trip fuse
  • Mall Mall on Nov 20, 2014
    my partner had a leak in his bathroom for years, it had already come true the ceiling and when having a shower it dripped in the kitchen. He could not fix it as it was hard to get to he said. So one day when he was at work I took a look and found a pipe running from the bath to the toilet and down. There where two pipes that did not get fitted correctly and unless spending a lot of money on changing the toilet and stuff, I got some of that tape that stretches and pulled it around the leaking pipes like a bandage. result no more leaks, and that after 12 years of having had a leaking pipe;) it is still dry two years down the line so I am quit proud of myself ;)