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A PVC pipe got pulled out of its fitting under my shower (don't ask!). It's been pushed back into position, but is out of reach by hand and not tight (causing a slow-drip). Above the pipe is a shower tray and below is a ceiling of our lounge.

I'd like to tighten the fitting, but would need to extend my arm length by about 1-2ft to do it without tools :)

I have thought about fudging together a tool to attempt this - perhaps a metal grip with a length of copper piping on each arm to give me that extra reach. However I'm not sure if the grips will end up ruining the PVC compression fitting or if I'll even get enough purchase.

Last resorts seem to be to remove the shower tray above or cut a hole in the ceiling below for access; the first is a pain, the second would be unsightly and I'd like to avoid either if possible.

There must be a tool to give me that extra reach, does anyone have any ideas?

Image below - you can see the white PVC fitting that needs tightening at the back with the drip tray underneath it.

Many thanks!

PVC pipe

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    That installation is improper I think. AFAIK you're only supposed to use screw type fittings in spaces you can actually reach. IN a closed space like under a shower it should be glued shut. You'll have to open the ceiling under the shower.
    – The Evil Greebo
    Jul 16, 2018 at 12:04
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    Oh and "there must be a tool that..." is not binding upon reality.
    – The Evil Greebo
    Jul 16, 2018 at 12:04
  • There are telescoping basin wrenches but you haven’t told us exactly how far this fitting is, or the size of the pipe (neither of which can be guessed accurately from the picture). What country is this?
    – Tyson
    Jul 16, 2018 at 12:31
  • Thanks for comments so far, all. Installation being improper doesn't surprise me, there is much wrong with the building inherited from previous owner. I am in the UK, and the fitting surrounds a 50mm pipe (2"). It's about 40cm out of my reach, so a little over a foot. The basin wrench is a great idea, I just need a large jawed one - perhaps something like this will work?
    – Jamuck
    Jul 16, 2018 at 12:47
  • @James looks like you found your tool!
    – Tyson
    Jul 16, 2018 at 13:25

1 Answer 1

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put a wall access panel in the ceiling below the shower

http://loftsandladders.co.uk/plastic-loft-hatches.html

enter image description here

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