How Do I Join Pvc Pipes To Copper Pipes ?
Saturday, August 29th, 2009 at
3:32 pm
How would I replace/join a piece of PVC pipe to my copper plumbing ? Would I use copper or PVC joints with some sort of bonding substance ? Or is there a way to repair a leak in copper plumbing/pipes by applying a leak sealer of some kind, if so what kind of sealer is best ? Thanks, much appreciated. 
Tagged with: Copper • Join • Pipes
Filed under: Articles-Home Repair
Why do you want to use PVC to replace a section of copper? In a LOT of older houses, the copper pipe is an integral part of the electrical grounding in the house and putting a piece of PVC in line would insulate part of the electrical system from ground, which is VERY dangerous. Assuming your copper pipe is NOT part of your electrical system, putting in PVC is still not a good idea. Better to simply cut out the section, get a couple of copper sleeves, cut a piece to fit the piece you remove and use the sleeves at each end to slide over and solder them in place, which is the correct way to replace a damaged section of copper. If you INSIST on using PVC, there are copper joint sections similar to solder sleeves which solder on one side and are threaded with standard pipe threads on the other which makes it so you can use a threaded section. Generally these things are used when you join a piece of flex tubing to allow for some misalignment or the possibility of some form of movement in the future. Then, all you need is matching threaded sections of PVC. Be sure to use teflon joint tape on the threads to make a tight seal which will easily turn very tight and make a leak free seal between the PVC and copper.
I wouldnt reccomend trying to bodge one with the other. I would use either or, not both. It is possible but the end result never lasts as long as if you had just used copper throughout. Copper is quite expensive at the moment. If you have a leak in the copper piping then the first thing you need to do is find out where its coming from. Once you have done that its quite easy to either replace that section or, if its a minor hole in the pipe, make good with some solder.
Just dont forget to turn the water off before you start!!
If your hole is too big then you can repair the broken part by buying 1) the length of copper you need 2) Two connecters, and 3) the solder to make the joins water tight.
In my opinion you will find it much easier to replace the copper with copper rather than trying to botch iy up with upvc.
Good Luck.
Go to Hardware store, or Homedepot and buy copper to a PVC adapter. If you are working with hot water you will need a CPVC adapter. You can buy with compression on one end for copper and glue end for PVC on the other end. . This will eliminate your need to solder. It will cost about $3.00 depending on the size you need. I would recommend staying with copper.
Good Luck
I wish i could remember the name of it now but i was in Lowes hardware not long ago and i saw these connection kits. They allow you to connect PCV to PCV or Copper to Copper or even PCV to Copper lines with no soldering or glue needed. They are designed for the do it yourselfer with little experience at plumbing. I really dont know how well it works though.
Check Lowes or Home Depot or any other larger hardware store in your area.
They are called “compression fittings..they have a coupler on them one end slides over the copper and has a collar that locks it in place..then the other end does the same to pvc..Home De[pot, Lowes all them places have them..Heres a picture of one, but this one you screw the end on..they have some with collared slip fittings…http://www.plumbingsupply.com/pvccomp.ht…
no you cannot. you would need to connect adapters