Just-For-Copper

**buzzfan** · 02-27-2007, 06:13 PM

This product claims to bond copper without soldering. It has been discussed on this forum before but not too recently (at least not according to my searches). There was some skepticism about using it, but not much hard data. Maybe there is more info on it now? What about using it to repair a drain pipe as opposed to a pipe under pressure?

I have to replace a 2-foot long section of 1-1/2 inch copper pipe which runs horizontally from my kitchen sink to a vertical drain pipe (isn't the vertical pipe called 'a stack'?). This pipe is in the wall behind my kitchen cabinets (the j-trap and short pipe leading to the back of the cabinet are fine, the leak is definitely inside the wall). The pipe runs through a couple wall studs, so I'll have to cut it near the joint with the vertical pipe and then slide it out towards the sink.

I can probably solder the joints under the sink where there is room to work safely, but I am very nervous about soldering the other end near the vertical pipe. Using a torch in such a tight space near wooden studs cannot possibly be safe. Is this a good place to use the Just-for-Copper product? Should I use one of those rubber sleeves (fernco ?) instead? Should my replacement pipe be copper? PVC? If I click my heals twice and whisper 'there is no place like home', will this problem fix itself?

I appreciate any advice you folks may have.

Buzzfan

**coz** · 02-27-2007, 06:17 PM

use a copper to plastic bandseal clamp. its like a furnco but better. fernco`s are illegal in my state. convert to plastic and end of story

**buzzfan** · 02-28-2007, 02:42 AM

Coz,

I have to show my ignorance here. What is the difference between a fernco and a band seal clamp? I googled a bit and to an amateur's eyes they both look like a rubber sleeves clamped at each end with circular metal clamps. Can you give me a web site so I can be sure to get the right thing?

Thanks for you help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Buzzfan

**markts30** · 02-28-2007, 03:23 AM

He is referring to the transition clamp made for transitioning from one material to another (in this case copper to PVC) which uses a stainless steel sleeve the whole coupling's length and then two clamps to secure it .

**TedL** · 02-28-2007, 03:52 AM

What's confusing to newcomers is Fernco makes both types, but the people here are referring to the "wrong" type when they say "fernco". The wrong type has two narrow bands, one at either end. The right type has one wide, full length band.

**Cass** · 02-28-2007, 03:59 AM

Whats confusing is when they go to a big box store and the sales person says this is what you need and hands them a rubber coupling or worse tells them that they don't need a banded coupling and that it is a waste of $$$ because they both do the same thing.

**coz** · 02-28-2007, 05:13 AM

last two posters hit the nail right on the head

**TedL** · 02-28-2007, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by Cass

Whats confusing is when they go to a big box store and the sales person says this is what you need and hands them a rubber coupling or worse tells them that they don't need a banded coupling and that it is a waste of $$$ because they both do the same thing.

Hey, I shop at Low*s because it's 5 min from my house and I can go there after I'm too tired to keep working, but I know that I can't even rely on the staff to know what they sell and where it is. I sure don't rely on them for advice on how to use something.

**Gary Swart** · 02-28-2007, 09:24 AM

Both Lowes and Home Depot usually have a knowledgeable person on duty in the plumbing departments that can give reliable advise. Unfortunately, they also have sales clerks that are basically clueless. In time, you can get to know who the reliable guys are. Same holds true for other departments as well.

**geniescience** · 02-28-2007, 11:24 AM

i think it is wise to doubt every last thing you hear from them, even the one most experienced person in other departments.

So far in my experience I have found that the most senior plumbing clerk is highly knowledgeable but still not my ultimate source.

david

**buzzfan** · 03-01-2007, 02:40 AM

Thanks for clearing up my clamp confusion. I remember seeing a coupling just like the one markts30 described at my local Ace Hardware store. I'll pick one up before this weekend's assault on the leaky pipe -- I'll return the unopened just-for-copper product then too

A few last (I hope) questions. Is there any reason to NOT replace the pipe with new copper? I ask because I already bought a 24-inch length of copper pipe (when I was planning to use the just-for-copper product). I don't think I can return it since its a cut piece. I don't mind buying a piece of PVC, but I already have the copper.

Is this a repair for which I need a permit?

Buzzfan

**geniescience** · 03-01-2007, 04:35 AM

Having reread your first post more than twice, I still don't know which types of pipes you have. All copper, everywhere? If it IS copper everywhere, why not stay with copper? There is no compelling reason to switch to a piece of plastic and then switch back..

david

hj · 03-01-2007, 04:44 AM

The one item you have not addressed is whether that piece of copper you will connect to is good, or has it also undergone the same deterioration.

**buzzfan** · 03-02-2007, 02:32 AM

David and HJ,

I have all copper pipes everywhere (supply and drains) except for the j-traps under the kitchen sink (they are stainless steel). The piece of pipe I will be connecting to is sound. The reason I was considering PVC for the replacement piece was because coz mentioned 'switching to plastic' in his first post. I wondered if that were the preferred way.

Thanks again,

Buzzfan