How to Repair a Copper Drain Line That Drains to a PVC Pipe
Plumbing repair is a task that any homeowner can tackle with the right approach and steps. Repairing copper pipe requires removing and replacing the back section of copper pipe and restoring the connection to the PVC drain line. Over time, copper has a tendency to deteriorate from the inside and form pin holes that leak and eventually grow into larger issues. Keeping the plumbing leak-proof will keep your home safe and family friendly. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bucket(s)
- Pipe wrench
- Copper pipe cutter
- Sandpaper, 120 grit
- Copper pipe
- Copper coupler fitting
- Torch
- Solder
- Flux
- Small brush
- Copper-to-plastic adapter
- Plumbers tape
Instructions
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1
Turn off any available shutoff valves in the drainage system prior to the copper leak.
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2
Isolate the location of the leak in the pipe where it drains into the PVC pipe. Place a bucket under this location to catch any standing water as the pipe is cut.
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3
Loosen the copper-to-PVC fitting where the pipe is currently connected to the PVC pipe, using the pipe wrench. Next, use the copper pipe cutter to cut the pipe on the other side of the leak, so the section removed is from the leak to where it connects to the PVC pipe. Discard the bad section of pipe.
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4
Measure the distance from the end of the copper pipe to the PVC drain pipe connection. Cut a section from the new copper pipe to this length. Sand each end of the copper pipe so that they are shiny. Apply a small amount of flux to each sanded end of the copper pipes.
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Slide the coupler on one end of the cut piece of pipe, and the slip end of the copper-to-PVC adapter on the other end.
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6
Solder the fittings/adapters to the pipe. Using the torch, heat the fittings on the pipe all the way around. Apply the solder to the joint opposite the flame, and allow the heat to suck or pull the solder into the connection to form a seal.
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7
Wrap the threads of the existing male adapter on the PVC drain pipe with the plumbers tape. Wrap the threads in a clockwise direction until all the threads are covered.
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8
Thread the existing male connector from the PVC drain pipe into the threaded female fitting/adapter that was just soldered onto one end of the new piece of copper pipe. Once the fittings/adapters are threaded, tighten them down using the pipe wrench.
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9
Apply a small amount of flux to the end of the existing copper pipe. Slide the end of the new pipe that has the coupler soldered onto it onto the end of the existing copper pipe. Gently pull or bend the two ends down so that you are able to get the end of the pipe inside the coupler. Have an assistant gently pull the PVC section of the piping (which is more flexible) to provide additional movement. Solder the final connection in the pipe.
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10
Turn the drainage valve back on and check for leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Various fittings with different angles are available to fit any turns you may need in your project.
Never thread a metal pipe into a plastic adapter as the metal may cause the plastic to spread or crack, causing a leak. But rather, thread the plastic pipe into a metal fitting, using plumbers tape to help seal the connection.
Use extreme caution as you move the pipes to make the last connection so you do not cause a leak by adding to much pressure on a connection. The pipes typically will only need to be moved about 1/2 inch to make up for the length of the coupler.
