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david2761 · Nov 23, 2012, 07:27 AM

Hello,
I am planning on replacing the dain pipes for my tub/shower. They are copper pipes going to galvanized pipe. I was going to use the rubber no hub connectors, but are they a temperary fix or is that considered a standard way of doing it? Or is there a better way to make the connection? Thanks, david

massplumber2008 · Nov 23, 2012, 07:49 AM

Hi David

Funny enough, rubber(neoprene) couplings are sold everywhere, but they are not approved for use above ground... only manufactured to be used below ground and almost no plumbing inspector in any state I've worked in will even accept those couplings for below ground work, so good that you asked the question!

In any situation as you present, first and best way to transition between different piping materials is to use threaded fittings (male or female). If you can't remove pipe back to a threaded fitting then you want to use SHIELDED CLAMPS (see image) to make transitions between different pipe materials. These can be found at home improvement stores... sometimes, but you are probably best to go to a local plumbing supply store to be sure they are available!

Here, you can purchase copper x PVC shielded transition clamps to transition from copper to PVC pipe, but for transitioning from galvanized to PVC you should be able to remove the galvanized pipe back to a threaded joint! As a last resort, a PVC x PVC shielded clamp will work to transition from galvanized pipe to PVC pipe.

Good luck!

Mark

speedball1 · Nov 23, 2012, 08:42 AM

Great advice from Mark, My company NEVER used rubber couplings, Either above or below ground. Good luck, Tom

david2761 · Nov 23, 2012, 10:58 AM

OK thanks, I will use sheilded clamps, now second question, I would like to raise the dain pipe so I could keep the trap on the same level as the pipe and still keep it above the ceiling. Would I be able to put a 4 way coss fitting in the vent pipe right aboe it and go that way or do I have to keep the drain below the vent pipe? Thanks, dave

massplumber2008 · Nov 23, 2012, 11:16 AM

Check out my picture below. The old plumbing was done incorrectly. If you plan on redoing this work, do it right and raise the vent so it takes off above the centerline of the PTRAP drain OR lower the PTRAP so the vent comes off above the centerline of the PTRAP... both ways work, but you can't do what they did!

I know that kind of answers your question, but in terms of a 4 way cross tee... I'd need to know what that other pipe in the picture is... what fixtures drain into it from above? If any fixtures drain into that pipe then forget the cross tee... won't work for you!

david2761 · Nov 23, 2012, 11:35 AM

I figured it was all wrong, I believe the gray pipe going up is the vent pipe, the copper pipe coming out to the side vents the sink and shower in the basement, its runs across ceiling then down, I was trying to figure out a way to raise the dain pipe so it would all be in line and above the ceiling.

massplumber2008 · Nov 23, 2012, 11:42 AM

Yeah, totally wrong! The vent for tub not only is placed wrong it is not rolled above the centerline of the pipe, either!

Now, you could do what you are proposing, but it's alot of work.

The low point would be the pipe picking up the basement fixture vents. You would rais the drain pipe for the tub, taking the vent off above the centerline of the drain as presented and hook that vent in abobe the vent that picks up the basement fixture vents. It would be tight fit , but it can be done as you want!