Waking up to a clogged copper drain sounds like a nightmare. But, for a stink-free household, you have to keep them well maintained. And what’s better than using PVC pipes in the process.
How to connect PVC to copper drain pipe?
Fortunately, PVC and drain pipes can be connected in multiple ways. You can use any strong glue, plumbing fittings, or weld them together. But just make sure they are not leaking after installation.
This would be the ultimate summary. But if you want to learn in detail, I’ve prepared a whole article for you.
What are you waiting for? Let’s check it out!
How to Connect PVC to Copper Drain Pipe: 3 Solutions
Connecting PVC with copper drain is challenging. But it gets easier if you focus on its installation. Side by side, make sure the drain pipe is not too high from sink as well.
Remember to shut off the main water supply. Also, check the direct valve to your connecting pipes. When you open the joint, this will safeguard you from getting wet.
To remove extra water, open the faucet.
Solution 1: Using Push-Fittings
Now let me start with the easiest way to connect PVC to water pipes, using drive fittings. Don’t worry, you don’t have to cap off a water pipe for it. This system does not support welding or disassembling, nor adjusting or loosening anyway.
This type of copper-PVC fitting can be used with copper and PVC pipes on one side and vice versa.
To seal the pipe and make it watertight, simply put it into the fitting and lock it in place. I’d suggest simply removing the hose from the fitting if adjustments are needed.
Here are some of my favorite brands of push-fitting:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
Even though it might not be highly effective in the long run, it’s worth a try. I would suggest this if you are tight on budget.
Solution 2: By Welding Or Gluing
The second solution is probably the most common, but not the best. Why is that? Because it requires high skills and also requires a lot of different tools.
Anyways, anything is possible.
Gluing
You will need the right glue because using the wrong glue will only damage the valve being used. You can go to a hardware store. And search for a specific adhesive recipe.
First, use a brush and rag to clean the two pipes. Apply the glue equally to create a bonding surface where you want to connect them.
Then place them for three minutes. And hold them together for another one minute. Apply pressure while holding them together. Now, let it dry for 48 hours at least.
Soldering
You must weld a female threaded fitting with copper pipes. Then you must screw a male threaded plastic connector.
And finally, complete the by gluing the plastic pipes to the joints of the plastic pipes. Make sure they are as leak-proof as possible.
Otherwise, you will keep wondering how to repair the PVC pipe that is leaking at the joint. You don’t need that extra stress.
Solution 3: Through Threaded Adapters
Many people recall this copper to PVC pipe approach as being as fascinating as imaginable.
Remember that the female metal end goes with the male plastic end. And this is very important for a proper connecting process.
A male metal adapter, which tends to harm (crack) a plastic female adapter, is the model. To put it another way, if you push yourself too much, you will become stressed.
Then remove the necessary amount of putty glue. Knead together with your fingers while wearing protective gloves.
Finally, lightly press the adhesive where you need to sign up for them and region them within three minutes.
Maintain a strong connection for a total of 1525 minutes. It takes an hour for the milky white to solidify. It’s meant to have a tensile strength of 1300 PSI and a maximum temperature of 300°F.
If soldering, solder the female threaded end to the copper tube, then screw the male threaded plastic end. Then, into the female threaded coupling. Don’t get confused if soldering valves should be open or closed, they should be glued together.
To avoid taking walks and addressing problems, make sure the junction between the PVC and copper pipes is tight.
Final Thoughts
I think the best approach would be threaded adapters. This is the only process that looks promising with proper steps.
I’d highly recommend this as your final pick for attaching pipes. Other than that, you should go for the one you find comfortable and are capable of affording.
FAQs
Can I mix plastic and copper plumbing?
Answer: Yes, you can. As plastic and copper have the same type of fitting, you can mix their plumbing. For instance, a compression fitting is the common fitting among plastic and copper plumbing.
Can I join 2 PVC with copper?
Answer: Yes, you can. The standard way to connect rivets or copper pipes to PVC is to use threaded adapters. In this case, you would have to connect the male plastic ends with a two-faced female metal end.
Does gorilla glue work on copper pipes?
Answer: Yes, it will work. Copper has a high conductivity rate and is water-damageable. So, any glue with high water resistance, heat resistance, and leak-proof formula can be used on copper pipes.
Conclusion
If you have read this far, I hope it was insightful enough. And you finally figured how to connect PVC to the copper drain pipe.
But even if you haven’t been able to work it through, it’s cool as well. Just call a professional to finish up after you.
Until next time, have a wonderful day!