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compugeek2b · Jun 8, 2008, 10:43 PM

Hi,
I am new here and I am at my wits end. I recently replaced a connector that was leaking under my kitchen sink. One end goes to a copper pipe, the other goes to pvc. The connector was leaking. I bought a new one and put dope tape on it and then placed it. Unfortunately, it now has water running out underneath the connector along the pvc pipe end. I followed the directions, and I don't have the money for a plumber, but I don't know what to try next. Everything seems to be tight but something is wrong and I still can't turn on my water after a week without it. PLEASE HELP!!
Thanks for your time and suggestions!

massplumber2008 · Jun 9, 2008, 03:31 AM

Hey compugeek:

Did you get a REDUCING connector?

Going from copper pipe to pvc pipe will require a clamp that reduces from copper to pvc. Most likely from 1.5" copper to 1.5" pvc pipe... be clear, they are about the same size inside diamter but VERY DIFFERENT sizes on the outside diameter. Exactly why a reducer clamp is needed!

This can be accomplished by using a shielded clamp (see 1st pic.) such as a PROFLEX that is available at home depot. Here, the clamp will actually be reduced to copper pipe size on one side and pvc pipe size on the other.

Worst case, can try to find a fernco reducing coupling or similar (see 2nd pic.).

DO NOT use pipe dope or "dope tape" or anythiing like it! These clamps slip on then get tightened. That's all!

Let me know what you think... MARK

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compugeek2b · Jun 9, 2008, 09:42 PM

Hi,
Thanks Massplumber2008! Uh, no, I didn't get a reducing clamp. What I got was a 1/2" to 1/2" coupler(it was all they had available). I will go to the hardware store tomorrow and see if I can find one(I live in the country and the selection isn't great). If not I will have to go to town and see if I can find one there. Either way I will give it a try and see if that will finally fix the problem!
Thanks again! ;-)

massplumber2008 · Jun 10, 2008, 03:32 AM

A plumbing supply house may be closer by than home depot or Lowe's.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks... MARK

jlisenbe · Jun 10, 2008, 03:04 PM

Mass, sounds like he is talking about the supply line and you are talking about the drain line. The coupling is threaded on the copper side and uses pvc cement on the pvc side. Have I completely missed this one? Otherwise, why would he refer to 1/2" fittings?

massplumber2008 · Jun 10, 2008, 03:08 PM

Hi John:

I caught that, too... ;)

I am hoping he meant 11/2" x 11/2"!

In my area we are always transitioning from older copper to pvc.. so I hoped that was what he meant.

We will see soon!

Thanks for keeping eyes open!

Mark

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jlisenbe · Jun 10, 2008, 03:14 PM

In the days of my youth (long ago), the solution was to put a decent sized bucket under the leaking section! Worked pretty well as long as you remembered to empty the bucket. (<:

massplumber2008 · Jun 10, 2008, 03:46 PM

That's funny John...

You wouldn't believe how many buckets I still see to this day!