DIY Pipe Projects

Joining PVC pipe

Proper joining of PVC with solvent. Also shown common errors and their effects.

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How to repair PVC pipe:
The compression fitting

A quick and easy repair for low pressure lines.

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How to repair PVC pipe:
The Slip Fix fitting

A quick, easy, and full strength repair when space or pipe movement is limited.

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How to repair PVC pipe:
The four 90's

A handy method when repair couplings are not avialble or are not large enough to span the pipe damge.

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How to use teflon tape on pipe threads

Teflon tape is cheap, lubricates and seals the joint, and is easy to apply...oh wait, except for that last part!

Greg makes it easy

How to service a Gate Valve

Like most things, if you expect it to work when you really need it to, you've got to to a little maintenance.

Do It Yourself Gas Pipe?

Read my blog entry on doing our own gas fuel line plumbing. For safety reasons, this is off my DIY list. more...

How to check for hidden leaks

Easily check for leaks you can't even see by using an inexpensive pressure gauge.

Frequently UNasked Questions

• Why copper leaks.

Copper piping usually leaks because it is not installed properly, or due to water or soil corrosion issues.

Some water is corrosive to copper and after time pin holes happen in the copper walls of the pipe. Some soils below a slab are corrosive. Corrosive soil eats holes through the outside wall of the pipe. Concrete and copper do not mix! Copper piping below slabs has been a multi-million dollar repair business. Copper piping should never be embedded directly in the slab.

In this photo, the copper pipe failed from the inside, corroded completely through, and formed a leak.

Solder joints have failed from various reasons: Lead in older systems and poor workmanship in lead-free joints of today's lead-free solder. It hasn't been easy for plumber employees to solder quick and completely using the mandated fluxes and solders that don't work as well as the older ones did. In the photo below a very small leak is indicated at the joint of the pipe and valve fitting, by the presence of the hard water deposits left as the leaking water evaporated.



Velocity due to undersized copper piping causes leaks and the price of copper keeps the sizes too small. If copper is not properly reamed when cut, turbulence and leaks are caused at the joint. Reaming takes time and discipline - which some employees don't have.

Presence of tiny air bubbles in water is hard on copper as are poor strapping and loose pipe. J-hooks pierce pipe, and expansion and compaction wear on the pipe also.

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