I'm renovating the bathroom in my mobile home in upstate NY and I've run into a bit of a snag. The draining system was originally done with black ABS, but since the new sink doesn't fit with the existing setup, I had to cut it out. Now I have the vertical pipe still going into the floor, but I've noticed that local hardware stores only carry PVC plumbing materials. What's the best way to transition from ABS to PVC? I've come across conflicting advice—some people say I need to use a rubber sleeve with band clamps, while others claim I can glue them together with the right adhesive and primer. What's the best practice for this kind of transition? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
You can actually use a special glue called transition cement for joining ABS to PVC, and it's usually green in color. The good news is that you technically don't need a primer for it; just make sure all the surfaces are clean and dry. Keep in mind, though, it's only rated for non-pressure uses, so it would work fine for drain applications. Just double-check your local codes, as they might have specific rules on that. Good luck with the install!
Be careful with transition cement; it’s often considered non-compliant under the International Plumbing Code. The safest way to do the transition is to use a threaded joint or a shielded Fernco coupling. If your house is set up with ABS, it’s generally best to stick with it rather than mixing materials. You could just order the necessary ABS parts you need if you can’t find them locally.
I get your point, but I haven't come across any ABS pipes in the stores around here. It’s really frustrating!