37
votes
Is there a need to replace wiring if I tripped the microwave oven when drilling through drywall?
Code never prohibits the use of conduit. Even if it isn't required, some installers might want it for future pulls or just protection. Non-metallic cable is the minimum standard. Many municipalities ...
- 129k
35
votes
How can I cut this recessed PVC pipe?
When I had to do this for our basement I used an "Inside Pipe Cutter", a fancy bit that fits into your standard drill. Looks something like this:
You chuck it in your drill, put the blade at ...
- 1,131
34
votes
Attempt to locate buried sewer line with melted snow?
I doubt that you could get enough heat into the sewer line to melt the snow on the surface. Even if it did, that would only give you a vague idea where the pipe run is, though it would be more ...
- 43.1k
30
votes
Accepted
Is it safe to use Category 1 80,000BTU furnace with 2 inch PVC exhaust?
HELL NO
Whichever joker is installing an 80% furnace with a PVC pipe for the exhaust needs their license revoked pronto, because that's a patent CO hazard. Non-condensing appliances operate at flue ...
- 81.7k
30
votes
Can I temporarily cap off a PVC drain line without solvent (during a reno)?
A baggy and a rubber band should work.
- 6,196
28
votes
Accepted
A 1" T fits the pipe and a 1" valve does not, why?
That valve is for a different type of piping system called CPVC and the sizes and fittings are different. The difference is deliberate because CPVC is rated for hot water whereas regular PVC is not; ...
- 35.1k
25
votes
Can I temporarily cap off a PVC drain line without solvent (during a reno)?
Oatey makes a number of "Gripper" plugs for many sizes of pipe and fittings. I have seen them available in big-box stores. There is a gasket and a screw you turn to tighten the plug into the ...
- 351
24
votes
Is there anything to help reinforce PVC pipe?
Either you glued them correctly (I prefer "cleaner, then primer, then glue" for the most reliable connections) or you'll need to re-glue them after the joints fail.
Nothing you add to the ...
- 201k
24
votes
Is there a need to replace wiring if I tripped the microwave oven when drilling through drywall?
Answer based on new images, previous answers were assuming conduit.
Based on the picture that was edited in later, you have nicked an electric cable directly rather than drilling into conduit. I don'...
- 27.7k
21
votes
Accepted
How to create a hidden plug for PVC pipe
Given all the ideas, the obvious solution would seem to be don't use sand.
Instead, fill the bottom pipe with cement. Or fill it mostly with gravel with a few inches of cement or silicone sealant ...
- 12.3k
21
votes
Accepted
Can I temporarily cap off a PVC drain line without solvent (during a reno)?
Yes. DWV pipe caps fit quite snugly, without glue, and will not pass any detectable amount of vent gases. You had better be sure that those drain lines will never be subject to filling with waste ...
- 2,538
18
votes
Accepted
Replacing an outdoor PVC junction box where it rains a lot
Wrong box. Bad installation.
Why is the lid so warped? Far too much stuff was crammed into that box than was legal (cubic inch rules) or practical. So the installer just cranked down the lid screws ...
17
votes
Accepted
White PVC pipe for electrical wiring
Don't mix your (PVC) streams
Electrical PVC conduit and PVC sanitary (supply, DWV) piping may look similar (save for the color), but are made to very different standards. Plumbing PVC needs to be ...
- 81.7k
16
votes
Is there a need to replace wiring if I tripped the microwave oven when drilling through drywall?
Actually, it is quite the opposite. Most states allow the use of non-metallic cable or conduit, but some only allow conduit. Conduit comes in several varieties, including PVC. PVC conduit is similar ...
16
votes
Accepted
What kind of tubing comes with a kitchen sink sprayer?
It is a functional reenforcement, and the product as a generic product is "mesh reinforced vinyl tubing" (or just "mesh reinforced tubing" which might catch a few in other plastics....
- 201k
15
votes
How can I replace this cast iron tee without increasing the width of the connecting pipes?
You could replace the "T" with PVC that isn't as thick.
Or you could add firring strips to the studs and get the .5" clearance with a little extra.
- 25.1k
14
votes
Is there a need to replace wiring if I tripped the microwave oven when drilling through drywall?
The wire is nicked. It is thinner than it's supposed to be, and will overheat and start a fire there unless it is repaired. PVC's fire retardant capabilities are notional at best, so you really want/...
14
votes
Attempt to locate buried sewer line with melted snow?
Tl;dr: physics says it's going to be very expensive.
Lets run some extremely rough numbers. This is going to approximate a lower limit on the heat required - you're likely to need far more. I've ...
- 6,013
14
votes
Can I use a hole saw on PVC?
In general, yes, a hole saw can certainly be used on PVC.
In specific, becoming brittle from UV exposure as mentioned in @KMJ's answer would be my biggest worry in drilling these things. Old plastic ...
- 201k
13
votes
Accepted
What is this part near the entry point to my irrigation system
That is a strainer wye. There is a metal mesh filter in there to trap sediment/debris; it can be removed and cleaned as necessary.
- 35.1k
13
votes
Can I use a hole saw on PVC?
Most important is do not force it. Let the saw do its job.
Reduce the speed to slow to reduce forces.
The choice of the saw teeth is important. Too small will clog up fast. Too rough will chip it.
...
- 16.9k
12
votes
How can I cut this recessed PVC pipe?
A pipe cutter may fit in the hole.
(source: ftaelectronics.com)
- 2,760
12
votes
Accepted
How can I replace this cast iron tee without increasing the width of the connecting pipes?
Move (half) the wall, leave the pipes.
5/8" wood on the face of the studs, with 1/16" steel protective plates over the plastic pipe that's closer than 1.25" to the plane defined by the ...
- 201k
11
votes
How to create a hidden plug for PVC pipe
Two ideas...
Fill the pipe with sand, and then use an expandable foam like "Great Stuff" to fill the last several inches of the pipe. The polyurethane foam should stick well to the inside of the PVC,...
- 27.7k
11
votes
Accepted
How to unfix a pvc tube glued to another pvc tube?
The glue normally used is a pvc cement and « welds » the joint together.
I would cut that tee out and fit a new one with extensions to meet up with the existing pipes using couplers.
When you get the ...
- 26.3k
11
votes
garbage disposal relocation
Good pictures. You have an unusual configuration for that drain. Typically, there is only one drain line coming from the wall into the kitchen cabinet. That would have one trap and upstream of the ...
- 3,393
11
votes
Accepted
How can I cut this recessed PVC pipe?
A Dremel rotary tool seems perfect for this. If you don't have one then this seems like a good chance to justify buying one as you will quickly find new uses for it. You can use it to cut from outside ...
- 16.5k
11
votes
Is an ethernet cable threaded inside a metal conduit is more protected from electromagnetic interference?
You discovered wrong. Ethernet runs at 100MHz and up, your line voltage at 60Hz is virtually DC at that frequently difference.
With that said, you should still run your data cables in conduit. Not for ...
- 2,289
10
votes
How can I cut this recessed PVC pipe?
An oscillating tool might fit beside the pipe with blade rotated to 90 degrees
Or buy this fancy blade for it
- 4,245
10
votes
How can I cut this recessed PVC pipe?
Hands down, cable saw
This works faster than you think. The only thing you have to be careful with, mark the pipe with sharpie first and watch that you keep your cut square. If you first score the ...
- 25k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible