Okay to use rubber coupler to connect copper pipe to ABS pipe

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Todd

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A plumber used a rubber coupler to connect a copper pipe to a ABS pipe for my shower drain. I was just wondering if that is a common thing to do? Seems like the rubber coupler wouldn't last that long and there might be a better way to connect the two pipes?
drain.JPG
 
Here is a pic
 

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That "unshielded" coupling is not a good solution at all and should NOT be used.
They make shielded (metal, wrap around, with hose clamps) transition couplings specifically for each pipe size. They are approved by all code bodies, and are used reliably. They will have a UPC stamp on them.
 
My thoughts: keep in mind, I view the pictures on a small screen. So correct me if I’m wrong.

That appears to be an 1 1/2” plastic x plastic fernco coupling. Copper has a smaller outside diameter so the plastic ferncos are a tad too big. It looks like he’s really cranked down on the hose clamps to make it fit the copper. It probably wouldn’t leak but in wouldn’t trust it if it was gonna be buried in drywall and not accessable.

The better option would be the shielded mechanical joint coupling, and they do make ones to specifically transition from copper to plastic
 
Okay thanks for both of your feedbacks. Yeah, it is a 1 1/2" plastic fernco coupling. He soldered a ring around the copper pipe to accommodate the fernco coupling. I noticed he had one of the shielded transition couplings with him, but didn't use it for some reason.
 
Yeh, that’s not right. But worse, a shower requires a 2 inch drain. You should change that out now or pay your rooter guy twice a year.....forever.
 
our code allows an 1 1/2 drain for tubs and showers. I dont know what kind of ring he soldered on but a shielded fitting should always be used
 
1 1/2 tub/shower combo. 2 inch shower only. UPC code. They make specific “no hub” couplings specifically sized for different material applications. Always better to cross the bridge sooner rather than later.
 
The coupling he should use is a no hub. Inch and a half was pretty common a long time ago but two inch is now recommend. As far as soldering a ring around the pipe does nothing but making a area to possibly leak. If I was you I would redo it.
 
If you are going to make the transition from copper to plastic pipe then I would suggest you use a Pro-Flex Coupling. It is specifically designed for that application and has the metal band on it. It is made by Fernco.
 

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Of course it will work. The question is for how long and is it legal in your area. Cobble jobs like that have lasted for 30 -40 years or hours, depending upon the circumstances.
You are wise to follow the advise of these fellows to replace the cobbled short-cut with something that should have been used in the first place. But it will cost more by quite a bit and might be very difficult to install. On a non-pressurized drain there is not much likelihood that it will be damaged or otherwise need the protection afforded by the metal shield. If you have the opportunity and the desire - replace it anyway.
 
It may work for years (or months). But the monetary damage, long term mold issues, stench aren’t worth the temporary savings of $ that was saved between using the correct size/type fitting and cobbling (gee I love that word!) together this (slightly) cheaper alternative is not worth it.

Unless your ‘plumber’ was a relative I’d Find a new plumber.
 
It may work for years (or months). But the monetary damage, long term mold issues, stench aren’t worth the temporary savings of $ that was saved between using the correct size/type fitting and cobbling (gee I love that word!) together this (slightly) cheaper alternative is not worth it.

Unless your ‘plumber’ was a relative I’d Find a new plumber.
Not sure what, if anything, you are implying, but the rubber tubing has worked sufficiently in much more stringent environment than a house and does so for years and years and years without a breakdown (an automobile comes to mind). Unless you know something more about the situation that led to the installation of the hose, deprecating its value as a serviceable unit in place of a (slightly) more expensive shielded one is not suggested here. The choice was made by the service tech based on his experience. The reason for his choice is unknown. It could have been a number of possible things - none of which involves the price of the part. I am certain that he would have used a piece of pipe if he could have gotten it in there and ditto with the shield.

To attempt to clarify my point, I offer this. My motorhome has a leak in the gasoline inlet pipe (the one that carries the gasoline from where you insert the pump nozzle to the tank). It began to leak, but only during filling and when the tank was full. I finally discovered the source of the leak to be a small crack in the bottom of a short piece of hose on a 2" pipe. The hose was about five inches long. I purchased the shortest piece of hose that I could find that was long enough and tried to replace that thing. To get the hose out would have been easy (cut it out) but to get the new piece in would require that I remove the fuel tank or the pipe which appears to be built into the access shroud. So, instead, I rotated the crack 180 degrees to the top ( I would have put some duct tape on it, but I couldn't get it in there) and clamped it down. It has lasted already for 5 years. Should I have gone to the expense of time and effort to fix it properly? So far, I would say no. But there are many who would draw in a deep breath and say 'Goodness, that is unsafe! Aren't you afraid of bursting that tubing and having a big fire?' To that person I say, 'Are you still afraid that you will be electrocuted if you drop your portable (no ac power) transistor radio into the tub while you are taking a bath?' The fact is that the gas tank is much more dangerous than the leaky hose, and it is in perfect condition. The safest thing would be to not drive any vehicle at all! But the sane course is somewhat different - the plumber made his decision and in all probability he was right.

But if the OP feels so compelled, he should replace it - or attempt to and find out whether or not he needs a different plumber.
 

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