Repairing/replacing leaky copper DWV pipe

Users who are viewing this thread

Retiredguns

"Guns"
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
IL
Repairing/replacing leaky copper DWV pipe Final repairs made

Howdy folks, while doing my routine plumbing check I found a leak at the area where everything drains out of the home. The home was built in '68 and is unfortunately all copper. While it has made small repairs easy, this one has me scratching my head. My thinking is to replace this area with PVC. I don't know whether to tackle it on my own or call a good plumber. Here is a pic of the area. At this point, the leak is small at maybe 4-5oz a day, but she could go at any time! Already a quick patch job in another spot so that is why I am thinking of gutting and replacing.

Any ideas?
Thanks
Steve

plumbing.jpg
 
Last edited:

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
"Joints" do not start leaking, unless the pipe inside is eroded away, so a "repair" is not likely. The good news is that it will NOT "give at any time". It will just get worse a little bit at a time.
 

Tom Sawyer

In the Trades
Messages
3,625
Reaction score
34
Points
48
Location
Maine
The bad news is that fixing it properly is gonna cost a bunch of money.

So, next question. Is that side inlet elbow, installed in that position code or not ?
 

Retiredguns

"Guns"
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
IL
Thanks for the opinions. Have no clue if the elbow is code? I have a plumber coming next week as he is swamped so I may do another patch job until then.

When you say "bunch of money", what ballpark you reckon?
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
It's all open and easy to get at. I don't see that as a big problem. They make mission copper to plastic couplings if the plumber wants to go that route, and if so, he can massage the layout a bit.
 

Retiredguns

"Guns"
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
IL
Had an independent plumber stop by for a look. On the plus side he said there was enough copper and space for a "not too bad" of a job and on the negative side he said it would still likely be in the $600-$700 neighborhood. Said he needed to take it back all the way to the cast iron outlet which requires cutting & drilling out the lead seal. He would also use a different configuration for the new plumbing. My Wife was expecting more like $1200 so maybe this isn't bad?

I was going to cut & replace myself, but that last piece of vertical copper before the cast iron is paper thin and can be pushed in with a tiny bit of effort. I think I'll pay the pro this time..
 

Retiredguns

"Guns"
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
IL
Got a 2nd quote today and the plumber wants to do the same style repair, but at 3 hours and $300. Both come recommended so I'm not sure why I'd want to pay $600+ for the first plumber.
 

Retiredguns

"Guns"
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
IL
Had the plumber out today. I guess all is well as I am no expert. Here is the before & after.

plumbing1.jpg

plumbing.jpg
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
He did a nice job with the glue.
I've never used a 90 el with side outlet like that. So it looks interesting.
I'm used to using wyes and santees.
I like the shielded couplings on it. I ran across an old picture that a homeowner had posted that showed the old all rubber coupling, and then the fix afterwards with the shielded couplings like you have. :)
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks