Broken pvc pipe

Keyo77

I originally posted this in HVAC but since it is more of a pvc pipe issue I decided to try here as well.

The pvc pipe that leads from the condenser coil on my furnace/ac to the floor drain in the basement got hit by a door and snapped off. The piece of pipe still sticking out of the unit is only about 1/4" long and glued into the valve so removing/replacing is not an option. What can I use to glue the two ends back together? I tried pvc cement and that didn't work. The pipe in question serves as a drain for condensation so the glue would need to withstand water but not pressure. If I could get the two ends glued back together, I can use waterproof caulk on the outside to reinforce it. What should I use?

Darylh

Did you use a joiner

Keyo77

What is a joiner? The fitting that both ends are glued into? If so, I can't use one because the part that broke off is the piece that goes into the joiner. I can replace the the assembly that goes to the floor if I have to. The problem is the piece sticking out of the condenser unit - I don't think it is long enough to use a joiner.

Darylh

need a picture of this. I have used Plastic Steel in the past for bonding, something you might want to look into.

Clutchcargo

You might get a coupling to work but 1/4" is not a lot to work with. I would probably go into it a little further and replace the valve as well. Go back to a point where you can get a proper pvc coupling connection.

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Keyo77

I can't take a pic but I will look into the plastic Steel. Thanks!

Keyo77

The valve is part of the AC unit and would not be easy to replace. The broken off end of the pipe is actually glued into the valve. It's a really stupid configuration, considering the door to the laundry room can (and did) whack right into this pipe assembly. Thanks for the help though!

Clutchcargo

I've got another idea. Could you drill and tap so that you can thread a fitting in?

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Keyo77

I'm not at all sure what you mean but you did give me an idea. I wonder if I can find pvc pipe just smaller than the one broken off and connect the two that way. I'll have to go to Home Depot and see what i can find. Thanks!

Clutchcargo

Is the valve a slip fitting (PVC pipe is glued into the valve)? If so you could actually just drill the broken piece out so that it's large enough to replace and glue the pipe with another.

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Darylh

The only thing I would concider here is a buildup of water on the inside otherwise great idea

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Keyo77

Daryl, the pic you showed is essentially how the pipe is fitted now so I don't think water build-up would be a problem. I went to Home Depot and the only thing I could find in the way of a glue etc., was plummer's epoxy putty. The package says it can be used as an adhesive for all kinds of things, even underwater and it dries hard. I'm thinking I can mold it around the two broken ends, fit them together and let it dry. I figure at little more than a buck, it's worth a try before I have to go with the drilling and replacing idea.

Darylh

Good luck on that. Let us know how you made out.

Keyo77

The putty idea didn't work. When i tried to fit the two pieces of pipe together, the putty just slipped out or bunched up inside. Since I can't seem to find anything else to glue the pieces together, and I didn't find any fittings that would connect the existing pieces, I guess I will have to start all over and rebuild the whole system. What a pain.

redline

Can you just use a piece of rubber pipe/tubing that is slightly larger and then clamp it on?

(without a photo we are not sure what exactly is needed )