Should I reuse an old plumbing drain or replace it?
Old drains that still function visually appear rough or uncertain, leaving homeowners unsure whether to build over them or dig them up. This uncertainty makes it difficult to decide whether to trust existing plumbing or risk major teardowns.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1installing a new shower over the old drain
- 2digging out the old pipe and replacing it with new PVC
- 3continuing to use the old pump without replacement ("riding the lightning")
- 4tightening the packing nut
- 5leaving the valve alone
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“There is an old stand up shower drain. The drain still drains but it’s real rough. Should I put a new shower over it or is it done for?”source ↗
“Do I replace a sump pump primary and get a secondary battery backup? Current pump is 20 years old. Over the last 2.5 years it’s turned on 1 time. I can’t test due to being sealed from radon system. Basement is finished.”source ↗
“Main question is do I have it replaced or keep riding the lightning.”source ↗
“I'm concerned when opened to wash outside wall, it will seep water again, and possible develop into a leak.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Should I replace old asbestos-wrapped ductwork while walls are open?
- 2Slow drip on sewer pipe joint
- 4Rebuild original vintage part or buy cheap reproduction?
- 63Is it worth fixing an old car when repairs cost more than it's worth?
- 24How to tell if a damaged roof needs replacing before winter
- 33Should I pay for appliance repair or fix it myself?