[txmnt]

I just discovered a problem and don't know how to fix it. I have seepage from an upstairs bathroom drain. Take a look at the attached pics and let me know what you think I should do.
Mike

[speedball1]

Whoever did the job commingled Abs fittings with PVC Pipe without using the proper primer and cement and now you're paying the price.
If this were a problem in my house I would clean off the leaky joint, being careful to get in the crack of the joint, and caulk the joint with epoxy letting the first coat dry and cure and then give it a second coat and hope like hell it holds. Because if it don't you'rre faced with cutting out and replacing the fittings. Do not use the pipe for drainage until the epoxy cures so it's hard to the touch. Check out the Thread "All Purpose Cement" on this page. Mark gives you a excellent description of what happens when you attempt to cement PVC to ABS. good luck, Tom

[txmnt]

I have some mighty putty. Do you think that will work?

[gbeavers]

You need to use a two part epoxy like jb weld.

[speedball1]

I checked out Mighty Putty and it looks like it will do the seal just fine. Tom

[Milo Dolezal]

Tom nailed it: two dissimilar plastics jointed together. Do as Tom suggest and that should do...

[mygirlsdad77]

I would cut out the joint and replace.. But that's just me. Let us know what you decide.

[txmnt]

Looks like the might putty is not so mighty. It held just long enough for me to consider closing the wall up but this morning the seepage has continued. I think I will try to cut out the joint and replace it. Can anyone give me step by step directions plus a materials list. I live a long way from town and would like to make just one trip if possible.
Thanks Mike

[mygirlsdad77]

IF you could cut the sheetrock further up the wall so we can see what is directly above the fittings, we will help you do this. It looks to me like there are two 45s butted up to each other. Depending on how much give you have in the pipes(most likely not much) you may have to get a shielded repair clamp, and two 45 fittings, and a foot or so of the correct size pipe. Pipe looks like 3" to me. Can you take a measurement of the outside diameter of pipe? For this fix, I would forego the abs, and just use pvc pipe and fittings. You will also need a can pvc cleaner, primer, and glue.

[speedball1]

One or two things I would like to add. If the upper pipe can't be moved so a coupling can be cemented on you may have to use a shielded coupling(see image) to join the two as Dad suggested And just in case that pipe is loose I would pick up a raiser clamp, (see image) and a bumper jack to prop up the pipe after you make your cut. Good luck, Tom

[txmnt]

OK, its done. 2 45's, one coupling and a little bit of 3 inch and I'm good to go. Turns out the black 45's are not abs but some kind of dark pvc. The problem was that there was no cement used on that bottom connection. Maybe they did a dry fit and forgot to cement one of the connections? Anyway problem solved thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have even tried this all on my own. Saved myself the $70 my plumber was going to charge me.
Mike

[Milo Dolezal]

Great ! Thanks for your update ! It is our objective to either give you good advice or lead you through the repair process ! Swing by if you need any other help in the future. Thank you for posting your question! Milo

[mygirlsdad77]

Good job. I still say them are abs fittings, as I've never seen pvc in colors other than white or tan.