How to Replace a Bad Section of Steel Drain Pipe With PVC
Leaking pipes are no fun to deal with and can cause extensive damage if not caught and repaired quickly. Steel pipes are often the culprit of corrosion or rusting until finally a leak forms in the pipe walls. One of the better ways to repair a steel pipe is to completely remove the bad section and replace it with PVC pipe and adapters to make the connection. PVC, though more flexible than steel, will provide a more lasting plumbing alternative over time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pipe wrench
- Cloth rag
- Pipe thread tape
- 2 steel pipe couplings
- 2 slip end to male PVC adapters
- Measuring tape
- PVC pipe
- Hack saw
- Utility knife
- PVC cement
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the bad section of steel drain pipe, and using the pipe wrench, loosen both ends of the pipe at the nearest fittings that are securing that section of pipe. Discard the pipe.
-
2
Wipe each end of the existing pipes with the cloth rag to remove any debris and moisture. Wrap the threads on each end of the pipes with the pipe thread tape, starting at the end of the pipe and working your way up the pipe until all the threads are evenly covered.
-
-
3
Thread a pipe coupling onto each end of the taped threads of the pipe. Tighten them down with the wrench. The couplings will allow you to connect the PVC adapters to the steel pipes.
-
4
Dry fit the PVC adapters by screwing them into the ends of the couplings, but do not fully tighten them down. Measure from the center ridge of one adapter to the center ridge of the other adapter, to obtain the length of PVC pipe needed to fill in the gap. Remove the adapters from the steel couplings.
-
5
Cut the PVC pipe to the measurement from Step 4. Using the knife, scrape away any of the plastic debris or shavings from the end of the pipe where it was cut so that it is clean and smooth.
-
6
Wrap the threads of each male end of the PVC adapters with the pipe thread tape. Thread or screw them back into each of the two steel couplings. Tighten them down gently with the wrench.
-
7
Apply PVC cement to one end of the PVC pipe and to the inside of the slip end of one of the PVC adapters. Insert the end of the pipe into the adapter, and allow the glue to set for a couple of minutes. Repeat this step to attach the remaining end of the PVC pipe into the remaining PVC adapter. You may need to slightly bend or bow the PVC pipe in the center to allow room to insert the end of the pipe into the adapter.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never repair a pipe where the metal pipe screws into the plastic pipe as the metal could spread or crack the plastic adapter and lead to leaks. Always use adapters and fittings that allow the plastic adapter to screw into the metal/steel coupling or fitting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit old worked off adjustable wrench 3 image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
