How to Join PVC Pipe and Copper Pipe with Compression Adaptor

PVC Pipe and Copper Pipe with Compression AdaptorIf you enjoy doing small projects around the house, you might have encountered the problem of needing to extend or replace a section of copper pipe in your plumbing system. Perhaps you decided to finally replace a faucet or sink in your bathroom and what you thought would be a “plug and play ”  project has become more involved.

If you have found yourself in a situation where the current copper pipe setup isn’t going to work with your new fixture, here’s how you can connect PVC pipe to the portion of copper pipe that needs to be replaced using a compression adaptor.

We would be at fault if we didn’t extend a few words of caution before you continue on this venture. Any plumbing project can lead to surprises at any time. If you are not 100% confident that you will have a positive outcome, we urge you to give us a call before starting.

If you have already found the need to connect PVC pipe together, you may have read our recent blog “How to Join PVC Pipe.” It describes PVC pipe in more detail, and you will reuse many of those items for this project.

Items:

  • Compression Connector for PVC to Copper
  • PVC or CVPC Pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • File
  • Tongue and Groove Pliers
  • Pipe Primer & Pipe Cement (be sure to get the type specified for PVC or CPVC)
  • Old Towels and/or rags

Once you are sure you have everything you need, and you feel confident about the task at hand, you should be ready to begin. Take a moment to check everything one last time to make sure that the pipes you are about to join are the proper lengths to enable success. Change into comfortable clothes and turn the water off (if you haven’t already done so).

Cut the end of each pipe that you want to join. Use the file to smooth out the edges so that the connector will be able to fit properly.

Brush primer inside the plastic pipe and the plastic end of the connector. Now apply the pipe cement, connect the 2 pieces and give it a slight turn. Hold in place for at least 30 seconds to give it enough time to set.

Unscrew the compression nut from the copper side of the fitting and remove the compression ring. Now put that same nut and ring onto the end of the copper pipe, carefully push the end of the pipe completely into the fitting and screw the compression nut on. Tighten the nut with your pliers. The ring should form a watertight seal.

Now the true test, have your rags ready and then turn the water back on. Hopefully, there are no leaks and you have successfully joined your copper pipe to PVC.

If the project didn’t go as planned, Rick’s Plumbing can get your bathroom back in business in no time. We are experts at helping you repair plumbing systems. Check out our money saving coupons and then give Rick’s Plumbing a call. If you need it quick, call Rick!

203-457-3201