I have plumbing drains in my house that have PVC solvent welded to ABS. I’m remodelling the bathroom below where the mixed pipes are and have the opportunity to correct this, if need be. Its been that way for at least six years and shows no signs of leaking.
Should I fix it or let sleeping dogs lie?
Also, we need to cut up the old fiberglass unit with a Sawsall to get it out. Do we need to take any special precautions?
Replies
I'm no plumber but I see these mixed connections fairly often. Many have been in service for decades without any sign of leaking or failing. I will likely be contradicted by more knowledgeable sources but I would let it ride as is. The only provision I would make would be to arrange for an access panel to get to the joints if repairs are needed at a later date. I would think this would be a good idea no matter the type of piping. I have seen such panels worked into wall and ceiling finishes to make them look good.
I'm with 4Lorn1. Leave it alone.
Wet Head Warrior recently left for Alaska, but maybe another plumber will show up and I can learn something, too.
Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.
I've seen numerous instances of PVC/ABS joinings in many years of selling and installing building materials and services.
In my ignorant years as a novice DYIer I also made some of those connections. Many were on my own properties, and many of which still are in existence after 35+ years with no apparent problems. I always use multipurpose cements.
In my third lifetime job as a licensed home inspector, I read that this PVC/ABS joining is an improper procedure and constitutes a potential leak hazard due to a weak glue joint between the two different types of plastics. In my reports I must note this condition if seen in a home that I would inspect. Code books say "NO" to this also!
So, although I am experienced somwhat to the contrary, I would certainly want to be on the safe side and NOT mix plastics when plumbing DWV. A hidden joint under some stress due to settling or materials shrinkage might pull open and leak.
Consider joining dissimilar materials with mechanical devices.....threaded adapters or fernco type couplings....and these joinings should be in an accessable place in the structure if at all possible......sometimes they leak also!
So...Go Figure...both methods, the okay and not okay, have the potential to leak. Seems to me both should be avoided if at all possible, unless in an exposed area.
IMHO...............Iron Helix