Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.

"Eigenvector" wrote in message
news
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a
non-corrodable metal P-trap: (No such animal.)




or a PVC P-trap?: (Your best bet )


I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging. (Not true)

On Oct 11, 10:31 pm, "Eigenvector" wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.

Clogging is more a function of what's put down the drain than what
material the drain is made from. If the trap will be seen, I use
metal. If not, well, it's 50-50 in my mind.

R

Eigenvector wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.



There is no reason that PVC would be prone to
clogging, in fact, the smoother surface makes it
less likely to clog. PVC doesn't corrode, is
cheap, and easy to install. They only minus is
that the nuts sometimes split, but replacement is
generally simple and quick. Does metal have any
benefit over PVC? Maybe appearance when exposed.

depends on what your health department wants as it applies to your type
of building and its use. our county wants pvc, less unnoticed rust-thru
for contamination of home.
of course, our city, buffalo ny, wants metal.

Eigenvector wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.

RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 11, 10:31 pm, "Eigenvector" wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.

Clogging is more a function of what's put down the drain than what
material the drain is made from. If the trap will be seen, I use
metal. If not, well, it's 50-50 in my mind.

R


Clogging is only one mode of failure. The other is the trap corroding
away, which is very common. PVC eliminates that.

PVC far better, smoother inside for less clogging, non reactive to
drain cleaners like drainno, never rusts out and easier to disassemble
if needed.

Recently I fpund some PVC traps with threaded bottoms for clog
clearance, just untread cap with pan underneath.

i think thats a excellent idea

Does metal have any
benefit over PVC? Maybe appearance when exposed.

You not likely to strip the metal threads.

wrote:
Does metal have any
benefit over PVC? Maybe appearance when exposed.

You not likely to strip the metal threads.

True but one shouldn't strip PVC threads if one
realize that there is virtually no pressure inside
the pipes so hand tightening even if you are weak
is all that is need. Even with care PVC nuts can
crack and require replacement after a long
period, but the crack should be obvious long
before a leak develops. Unless one is an idiot
and uses one of those pressure devices to clear clogs.

I ALWAYS put silicone bathtub caulk on all fittings of PVC, they are
low cost and low quality if you ask me.

silicone costs little and seals all those small leaks.....

best idea I ever stole from a plumber

I ALWAYS put silicone bathtub caulk on all fittings of PVC, they are
low cost and low quality if you ask me.

silicone costs little and seals all those small leaks.....

best idea I ever stole from a plumber

On Oct 12, 7:04 am, wrote:
RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 11, 10:31 pm, "Eigenvector" wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a non-corrodable
metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone mention how PVC was
prone to clogging.

Clogging is more a function of what's put down the drain than what
material the drain is made from. If the trap will be seen, I use
metal. If not, well, it's 50-50 in my mind.

RClogging is only one mode of failure. The other is the trap corroding
away, which is very common. PVC eliminates that.

A brass trap will last a long time. The odds of a bathroom or kitchen
being remodeled before the original trap shows any sign of corrosion is
high. If people let the sink get clogged and use harsh chemicals,
well, those people should use PVC. It's much closer to idiot-proof.

R

"George E. Cawthon" wrote in message
...
Eigenvector wrote:
Generally speaking, which is a better long term investment, a
non-corrodable metal P-trap or a PVC P-trap? I thought I heard someone
mention how PVC was prone to clogging.

There is no reason that PVC would be prone to clogging, in fact, the
smoother surface makes it less likely to clog. PVC doesn't corrode, is
cheap, and easy to install. They only minus is that the nuts sometimes
split, but replacement is generally simple and quick. Does metal have any
benefit over PVC? Maybe appearance when exposed.

Wow, strong reaction from all, thanks for the input. Guess that shuts down
a bit of false information that was passed on to me.

I don't have anything against PVC, outside of its (sometimes) cheap
construction and brittleness, but for a drain pipe that's not a big problem.

wrote:
I ALWAYS put silicone bathtub caulk on all fittings of PVC, they are
low cost and low quality if you ask me.

silicone costs little and seals all those small leaks.....

best idea I ever stole from a plumber

I've seen two different qualities of PVC drain assemblies. The
super-cheap, leak-prone type had a fold over wedge on certain ends.
The better quality ones have a solid wedge on those certain ends and
tend not to leak. I think they sell less of the super-cheap kind these
days.

P.S. Count me as another vote for PVC as it doesn't corrode, is very
inexpensive, just plain lasts longer, and is easier to cut and install.
I don't think it even has an objectionable look: clean, white and
smooth.