Plumber pushing to replace copper with PVC pipes in shower drain.

6 years ago

My shower has copper pipes. The drain was slow due to some limescale/soap sediment that was 97% contained in the trap, with the remainder in the 1st foot or so of pipe that leads towards the main stack. We’ve been waiting for two weeks for the contractor’s plumber to clean the pipe and solder it back together. Apparently the “boss” is the only one who solders.

Then today, I was told the plumber (not the “boss”) removed and replaced the copper pipe with PVC because the sediment clings to copper, and will not likely cling to PVC. “PVC is the way to go.”

They installed a “brand new PVC trap connected with Mission band to the main copper drain.”

I’m coming to you folks because I don’t know if I’m getting the whole picture. Is it true that PVC will outperform a copper pipe? Are connections using a Mission band better than a soldered joint? One issue that might be at play is that the the drain would have had to be soldered in a crawlspace. I’m sure that is uncomfortable.

Thank you for your help!

Featured Answer

Jake The Wonderdog

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi,

PVC drain is durable and resistant to most household chemicals including acids. It doesn't corrode. It's tough stuff. I like PVC for drains because I've seen plenty of chrome plated brass traps rot through. (I'd never use PVC / CPVC for supply lines).

Copper is pretty durable also.

Galvanized iron drain lines, on the other hand, are always a candidate for replacement with PVC.

Here's the problem I'm having - I don't like when plumbers splice in plastic pipe (PVC/PEX/Sharkbite) because they don't have the skill to solder a joint. That's just poor workmanship in my book. What's more - when it's supply line - it can inadvertently interfere with electrical bonding and grounding.

If they don't want to solder in close quarters next to combustible material that's a valid reason. But if they are lazy or unskilled, that's not at all valid reason.

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Comments (6)

lisaam
6 years ago
https://youtu.be/BEmKe6KxhcM
taliaferro thanked lisaam
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taliaferro
Original Author
6 years ago
Jake, you have articulated my precise concern. The reason offered for pushing PVC over copper is debatable. I have viewed numerous images of PVC pipe with what appears to be the identical sediment buildup found my copper pipe.

By the way, this is round two with this plumber. He wanted to replace the existing copper supply lines with PEX. I wanted to stick with copper. And now I am questioning the competency of my contractor’s plumbing subcontractor. Sigh.

@lisaam, I love that clip from Moonstruck!!
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
4 pictures and none showing how the connection from copper to PVC was made.
Jake The Wonderdog
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
@taliaferro,

Indeed, sweating copper is a basic skill that every plumber should have. You should bring the issue up with your GC.

I think the reasoning they gave is very suspect (I've seen buildup on PVC as well - particularly bioslime).

A Frernco or Mission band is generally an acceptable connection to cast iron, but would be something I'd avoid any other time. Patching in a PVC trap instead of soldering the copper back would not fly at all with me.
taliaferro thanked Jake The Wonderdog
taliaferro
Original Author
6 years ago
And the worst part is that I was told after it had already been done. I’m not sure what to do at this point.