Leaking PVC "elbow"
#1
05-31-20, 09:06 AM
Leaking PVC "elbow"
PVC "elbow" pipe is leaking from the bathtub in the 2nd floor. I noticed a brown spot in the "ceiling" of the half bath on the ground floor. I sawed-out the "brown" area (damaged by leaking PVC elbow) in the ceiling and found there is a PVC elbow right above the "brown" damaged ceiling area.
My question is how do I fix the problem? Do I replace the elbow or what? I believe I should replace the elbow by cutting the pipes (vertical & horizontal) where they enter the elbow & replace the elbow. Does this sound like the correct way to fix my problem? Any ideas are welcome (I'm not a plumber).
I will attempt to attach a picture of the pipe/elbow.
Thank you......Lonelyringer
My question is how do I fix the problem? Do I replace the elbow or what? I believe I should replace the elbow by cutting the pipes (vertical & horizontal) where they enter the elbow & replace the elbow. Does this sound like the correct way to fix my problem? Any ideas are welcome (I'm not a plumber).
I will attempt to attach a picture of the pipe/elbow.
Thank you......Lonelyringer
Top Answer
05-31-20, 09:58 AM
Group Moderator
Yeah, it's more likely that the problem is higher up, and that water is just dripping from that location because it's the lowest spot for water to drip. I agree you need to make a bigger hole so you can actually see and work on what's going on.... having someone run water or take a bath or whatever it takes to actually SEE the leak.
#2
05-31-20, 09:18 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
That is not as easy as it sounds.
You'll need to open your work hole up from joist to joist. It's doubtful the elbow itself is leaking. It will likely be at one of the glued connections. If that is attached to the bottom of the tub.... even the tub fitting could be leaking. It will take a rag to clean off all the fittings and a bright light for inspecting.
I believe I should replace the elbow by cutting the pipes (vertical & horizontal) where they enter the elbow & replace the elbow.
You'll need to open your work hole up from joist to joist. It's doubtful the elbow itself is leaking. It will likely be at one of the glued connections. If that is attached to the bottom of the tub.... even the tub fitting could be leaking. It will take a rag to clean off all the fittings and a bright light for inspecting.
lonelyringer
voted this post useful.
#3
05-31-20, 09:58 AM
Group Moderator
Yeah, it's more likely that the problem is higher up, and that water is just dripping from that location because it's the lowest spot for water to drip. I agree you need to make a bigger hole so you can actually see and work on what's going on.... having someone run water or take a bath or whatever it takes to actually SEE the leak.
CasualJoe,
lonelyringer
voted this post useful.
#4
06-01-20, 04:21 AM
Thanks for your quick reply and information. I'll use your info to investigate further.
Lonelyringer
Lonelyringer
#5
06-01-20, 04:24 AM
Thank you for your quick reply and your comments on the previous reply and his recommendations.
Lonelyringer
Lonelyringer
