What people keep running into with drain pipes
Complaints tagged drain pipes, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
5 recurring problems · 57 people · 6 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 18How to fix a glued sink drain pipeSink drain pipes are often joined with PVC cement rather than slip joints, meaning they cannot be unscrewed for maintenance or retrieval of dropped items. This lack of removable fittings stops people from clearing traps or replacing broken parts without cutting the existing pipework.
- 16How to connect a sink drain to existing glued PVC pipesReplacing a kitchen sink often leaves the new drain misaligned with a rigid, glued floor drain system. Because the existing pipes cannot be easily shifted, connecting the trap without making mistakes on the main sewer line becomes a nerve-wracking guesswork project.
- 12Tree roots growing inside drain pipesInvasive tree roots invading indoor toilet drain pipes and sewer lines can be discovered after pulling a toilet and finding small root bits with an auger. This damage leads to leaks and heavy plumbing repairs that force homeowners to determine whether the job requires professional intervention or can be completed independently.
- 9Why can't I replace a flexible sink drain with rigid PVC?Installers often claim rigid PVC cannot replace unsightly corrugated drain pipes because off-the-shelf rigid kits lack the exact alignment and adjustability needed for existing wall stub-outs and tailpieces. This leaves homeowners stuck with an ugly, incorrect flex line that professionals advise fixing, even though tight spaces or misaligned plumbing make a hard-piped conversion difficult to fit.
- 2Converting a bathtub to a shower with a 1 1/4 inch drainOlder homes often feature 1 1/4-inch drain lines, but modern building codes require a 2-inch pipe for a new shower installation. Upgrading this line requires breaking into old cast iron plumbing, which stops homeowners from finishing their bathroom renovations without major structural work.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.