On 9/21/2010 10:38 AM, HerHusband wrote:
Hi Jeff,

I have an old steel water supply pipe and would like
to convert to PVC (and then to CPVC). I had cut the
steel line and used a PVC pipe "repair" (I don't
remember the proper name for that). That sprung a leak
on the steel side so I've replaced it with one for
steel pipe, this leaks on the PVC side.
What is the solution here?

Use a couple of pipe wrenches where necessary to remove the pipe back to
the nearest fitting (assuming you already cut the threads off the steel
pipe). In my experience, old galvanized steel pipe is usually rusted and
filled with corrosion (often down to just a pin hole), so it's very
possible the pipe or fitting will crack as you dissassemble it and you'll
have to keep removing pipe or fittings until you get back to something
solid.


That is my experience also and this is 80+ year old pipe. I am close
to the incoming connection which is buried.


Once you have a clean threaded fitting (or a threaded pipe end), pick up
the appropriate "transition fitting" from a plumbing supply or local home
center (Lowes or Home Depot). Basically, these have a brass fitting on one
side you can thread to your steel pipe, and a CPVC fitting on the other.
Then you can repair the plumbing with CPVC pipe as needed. Be sure to add a
few wraps of teflon tape on the threaded fittings before assembling.

I've got a dresser (that is the real word I was looking for) coupling
going to a piece of threaded steel pipe and then I have the CPVC
transition since I have threads now. Some day I'd like to get rid of the
dresser coupling but I think I will get a "good" plumber to do that.

At the time, since the stores were closed, I was looking for a temp
solution to stopping the leak.


By the way, according to code, you can only use CPVC for work inside the
building. Regular PVC is only allowed for irrigation or outdoor water
lines.

Good. That is what I am doing.

Depending on the age of your plumbing, you may fix one leak, only to have
another one pop up further down the line. This happened at my in-laws
house. After a couple of repairs, it was easier to just replace everything
with CPVC pipe.

It's all going to CPVC (except the parts that had been redone in
copper). Kitchen and bath are going to new fixtures. I may have had the
original sink, this is the time to get the house out of the 20's.

It's a zoo in the basement.


Thanks,
Jeff
Anthony