Gray PVC - 1969?

[Paul E.]

Was gray PVC ever manufactured? This house was built in 1969.

I have a section of the original HVAC condensate pipe I need to repair, and the OD and ID of the existing pipe match the measurements of 3/4" pvc pipe. I'd like to figure out what this material is so I can use the appropriate glue.

 

[Reach4]

If that is 1.050 OD, I expect that is schedule 80 pvc. That has the same OD as the ID of schedule 40 and schedule 80 plumbing fittings. It has the same OD as schedule 80 electrical conduit. I suspect PVC because ABS is used for drain fittings, and I don't think they make the ABS pipe in that size. So I am predicting PVC. I am not a pro.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Paul E.]

If that is 1.050 OD, I expect that is schedule 80 pvc. That has the same OD as the ID of schedule 40 and schedule 80 plumbing fittings. It has the same OD as schedule 80 electrical conduit. I suspect PVC because ABS is used for drain fittings, and I don't think they make the ABS pipe in that size. So I am predicting PVC. I am not a pro.

Hey Reach, the OD is indeed 1.050. Whipped out some calipers just to double check.

Looking at ABS size charts, I also don't believe it goes down to this small of pipe. Starts at 1-1/4" pipe with an OD of 1.66".

 

[Reach4]

I would look at https://www.homedepot.com/s/3/4 PVC Expansion Coupling?NCNI-5 and see what inspires you.

 

[Paul E.]

Any reason not to go with two repair couplings and a short length of 3/4" pipe?

 

[Reach4]

Do you mean PVC repair couplings -- similar to a regular coupling with no ridge in the middle? I would think that would be harder to get glued up. I have never done it.

Are the two pieces inline with each other? I guess they would be, since that was one pipe. Was the pipe intact, and not the reason the cut was made there?

How are you picturing that going?

Cut a piece of pipe that bridges the gap.
Add a piece of masking tape onto each existing piece as a stop to cause the coupling to be centered.
I picture staging the couplings in the middle of that piece.
Position that piece and prime with the dauber 4 places... or prime earlier... dunno.
Slather thicker than usual PVC cement around one joint, and side one coupling to be centered on the cup. Maybe twist the coupling as you go, an prevent the piece of pipe from rotating.
Repeat for the other cut.

Maybe the way I imagine it is OK. Maybe I am missing something.

 

[Paul E.]

Yes, a repair coupling that's missing that inner stop. Procedure is pretty much how you outlined, although if there's enough flex in the line, you can sometimes glue one end with a normal coupler so you don't have to slide two into place.

The ends of these two pipes are in line with each other. The guy doing the demo to get down to the cast iron pipe didn't know there was a condensate line buried in the slab until it was too late! Unfortunately that guy was me!