Galvanized Drains to PVC Drains

[JohnnyStorm]

Okay my plumbing experience is minimal but the wall was wet so I ripped it apart and this is what I see going on. Not sure what to make of this piping setup but it doesn't look correct to me. Anyway, I'll have to take more pics but the main issue here is there's a major leak coming from the upstairs bathroom sink drain. Which, in these photos, would be the middle pipe next to the electrical conduit, in between the toilet drain and bathtub drain. You can't actually see the leak with these pics because the actual connection where the leak is sprouting from is behind the beam. If am going to fix this I figure I may as well replace this whole setup with PVC since I'm here. BUT is that what I should DO??? What's you're opinion? These are phots of the 1st floor bathroom. Above this ceiling is the second floor bathroom built, dimensional wise, identical. Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[JohnnyStorm]

Forgot to upload photos...

 

[Jim Jensen]

if any of those galvanized lines are water SUPPLY, you should get your budget ready to re-pipe the whole house..... that is some very "interesting" kludged-together drain connections, right there !!!!!

 

[JohnnyStorm]

Yeah, everything above the basement level... well pretty much 98%, is galvanized smdh... I guess for this situation my main concern is how do I 1. Disconnect this black rubber patch pipe from the toilet drain without toilet water pouring everywhere and 2 what material and/or substance, cement, glue etc.. Do I use to connect the PVC to that toilet drain AND galvanized pipes?

 

[JohnnyStorm]

if any of those galvanized lines are water SUPPLY, you should get your budget ready to re-pipe the whole house..... that is some very "interesting" kludged-together drain connections, right there !!!!!

LOL man if you think thats interesting I'll grab some photos tonight of these other situations around this place smh Im no plumber but... not pretty... I'm starting to think it was a bad Idea to get this place... Hopefully it all works out

 

[CT18]

It looks like they tied the tub drain into the toilet 90 which in my area is not allowed. I believe the tee half way to the toilet may be a vent, not sure

 

[Jeff Handy]

That bendy straw stuff has got to go.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

Okay so I took more photos.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

I appreciate all the input from you guys! I'm going to do some cutting so I can get to the root of this damn leak coming from the 2nd floor sink smh. I'll post photos

 

[Jeff Handy]

You can cut galvanized anywhere, and attach new pvc pipe or fittings with shielded couplings with clamps.
Similar to those rubber couplings, but they have a full metal sleeve to provide more rigid support.
Available everywhere, easy to use.
File down the outside edges of the galvanized after cutting, to bevel and remove burrs, and file or ream any inside burrs also.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

This drawing sucks but just to give an idea of how it connects to the 2nd floor. JEFF THANKS! So in your opinion should I cut where its leaking and attach PVC or just replace this whole little setup with PVC?

 

[Jeff Handy]

Pros on here can advise better than I can about that.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

It looks like they tied the tub drain into the toilet 90 which in my area is not allowed. I believe the tee half way to the toilet may be a vent, not sure

What would I put in place of the 90?

 

[JohnnyStorm]

Would either of these be used instead of the 90 tee?

 

[CT18]

What would I put in place of the 90?

I would have to tie the sink and shower into the stack some where not into the outlet on the toilet 90°. I would assume the nipple screwed into the toilet rotted and that is why the fernco is there. If it were me i would be starting over and try to find a spot on the stack to tie into and cut that toilet 90 out and run new pvc. Unfortunately it will probably be a larger project than you wanted to get into. I believe it will be in your best interest for the long term to get all that old galvy out of there, it looks like a ticking time bomb to me

 

[JohnnyStorm]

starting to work on this tonight... Had to fix a roof leak this morning. Im now seeing that the upstairs kitchen sink is connected to the bathtub drain.... again my plumbing experience is minimal but this seems odd. What's your take?

 

[Twowaxhack]

You need a complete repipe it seems to me.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

yeah..... I'm starting to understand that now.... well... Thanks for all the input guys you definitely helped out tremendously! I'll post the hack job I did tomorrow.

 

[JohnnyStorm]

Alrighty here's what I have now.. this is my first time dealing with anything more than a faucet so... I'm learning. It was 2am and I had to get this done and stop the leak so that bendable straw pvc had to stay for now.. I tried a couple 45 elbows but I just could not get it to line up... Not perfect but alot better than it was, I think...Maybe I'll try again next week because I'd rather have a clean smooth setup. Anyway thanks again for everyone's help and input!

 

[Jeff Handy]

Well, you are making a nice dent in the crap pile for sure.
You can get 22.5 degree elbows also, and 11.25 degree.
Maybe in long sweeps, more gentle?
That would help eliminate the bendy stuff.
Some of them are available as a “street” elbow, meaning one end has no socket, it is the same outlet size as regular pipe, so sometimes easier to connect direct to solvent fittings or clamp couplings.
Maybe you could also use flex pvc, sometimes called spa flex, don’t know if it is legal for drains.
It has a natural gentle built in curve to it
If you use it, use schedule 40 fittings, the socket is twice as deep and gives a much better solvent glue joint.
Or use shielded couplings.
Pros can advise if legal behind walls or for drain plumbing.
I have used it for buried two inch pressure lines for garden pond waterfalls.
Maybe close up the wall with something temporary like fiberglass or masonite bath panels, so you can get back in there if anything fails, or to continue removing old junk like the galvanized water pipes.