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JimfromSTL · Sep 3, 2009, 08:20 AM

I have a very tiny crack in a PVC elbow in a kitchen sink drain pipe . The elbow connection is in the basement where it transition down from the kitchen to a pipe that goes into the main drain pipe.

The challenge is that elbow is 2" - maybe less - below another coupler joint. I have no ability to get above that joint, and I am not sure how to replace the existing elbow given the limited distance between the elbow and coupler above it.

Is there some tool or technique or solvent that I could use to get the short piece of PVC out of the coupler so I can replace it and the elbow together?

ballengerb1 · Sep 3, 2009, 09:24 AM

There are reamers for this but they are cost effective for a one time DIYer. Any chance of a picture? 2" is plenty of room to cut off the elbow or the elbow and coupler replacing both.

JimfromSTL · Sep 3, 2009, 10:00 AM

Its in my daughter's home so no readily available pictures... but when I was last there (she lives out of state) it was clear I could not get above the coupler. I suspected there may be a reamer tool (and I suspected it would be expensive)... I will see if there is sufficient room above the elbow - but it is very tight -

By the way - this is an extremely tiny crack - 1 weepy drop per day type of thing... is there any expoxy product that I could try to cover the crack with effectively? I was actually wondering if lathering on some of the solvent itself would do the trick since it somewhat melts the plastic as part of its bonding activity.

ballengerb1 · Sep 3, 2009, 10:04 AM

If it was a supply you'd have to cut it out and replace but drains have no pressure and are a lot more forgiving. Plumbers will kill me for this but a cleaned crack and be sealed with Plumber Goop. Plumbing Glues - "Amazing Goop" Clean the area with PVC solvent, not the glue and then apply Goop, allow to dry over night before draining water.

afaroo · Sep 3, 2009, 12:33 PM

Bob (Ballengerb1) is on the right track, you can also order the repair kit is not expensive, see the link below, good Luck.

John

Pipe and Hose Leak Repair Tape

JimfromSTL · Sep 3, 2009, 02:29 PM

Thanks... good to know there are options if I cannot cut the elbow out... and now on to my electrical problems!

ballengerb1 · Sep 3, 2009, 02:40 PM

We can help with those too.

speedball1 · Sep 3, 2009, 03:18 PM

Here's a plumber that argees with Bob. Follow hiss advice. Before you apply the Goop or PVC Cement to the crack make sure that the crack's dry and that you rough the area with sand paper or PVC Primer. Let dry and set up for at least 20 minutes before uusing. Good luck, Tom