This morning, I found that the drain for the washing machine had cracked leaving water all over the floor. A typical plumbing emergency.
So naturally, I went to my well-stocked hat rack and put on my plumbing hat.
The connection into the drain pipe was old iron pipe. The old fitting did not want to come apart. First, I tried to pry it with an old wooden handled screwdriver. This bent the screwdriver and cracked the handle. Finally, I managed to unscrew the old fitting by using a crowbar, sitting on the floor with my feet braced against the wall, and pretending I was on the rowing machine. And I got it off and the threads were undamaged. Victory was surely near.
All I had to do now was find the equivalent PVC fittings to make a new trap and up tube into which the washer would drain.
First trip to Lowes: With the help of a grumpy "associate", I do find the right fittings. Wow, this is looking good. My lovely wife Morticia asked if I needed to buy the PVC primer and cement. I said no, I was certain I had these at home.
So I get home and the primer had evaporated leaving nothing but purple dust, and the cement has cemented itself quite effectively to the can.
Second trip to Lowes: Simple, I just get the new primer and cement. I need enough for 3 joints but the smallest cans they sell are enough for about 300. Oh well, that is expected.
So I cement together the 3 pieces (an adaptor, a straight piece and an elbow. Then I go to put it on. I cannot screw it into the drain because, unlike the iron elbow, the PVC one is larger and interferes with another pipe.
Third trip to Lowes: I buy an new adaptor and trap since I have ruined both of them.
This time, Morticia coaxes (or maybe coaches) me to dry fit it all before gluing so nothing can go wrong. I do and everything fits. So I take it apart, and proceed to glue the wrong straight pieces into the two parts of the trap. Another trap ruined.
Fourth trip to Lowes: I buy the last trap of its kind in stock, and I am overcome with dread. This is my last chance!
I dry fit it again and this time I actually notice what fits where, when I take it apart. I glue it together, and finally, the drain works, and I (actually, Morticia) can use the washing machine again. Good thing, since we need to wash all the blankets and towels we used to wipe up the basement floor.
Bob
So naturally, I went to my well-stocked hat rack and put on my plumbing hat.
The connection into the drain pipe was old iron pipe. The old fitting did not want to come apart. First, I tried to pry it with an old wooden handled screwdriver. This bent the screwdriver and cracked the handle. Finally, I managed to unscrew the old fitting by using a crowbar, sitting on the floor with my feet braced against the wall, and pretending I was on the rowing machine. And I got it off and the threads were undamaged. Victory was surely near.
All I had to do now was find the equivalent PVC fittings to make a new trap and up tube into which the washer would drain.
First trip to Lowes: With the help of a grumpy "associate", I do find the right fittings. Wow, this is looking good. My lovely wife Morticia asked if I needed to buy the PVC primer and cement. I said no, I was certain I had these at home.
So I get home and the primer had evaporated leaving nothing but purple dust, and the cement has cemented itself quite effectively to the can.
Second trip to Lowes: Simple, I just get the new primer and cement. I need enough for 3 joints but the smallest cans they sell are enough for about 300. Oh well, that is expected.
So I cement together the 3 pieces (an adaptor, a straight piece and an elbow. Then I go to put it on. I cannot screw it into the drain because, unlike the iron elbow, the PVC one is larger and interferes with another pipe.
Third trip to Lowes: I buy an new adaptor and trap since I have ruined both of them.
This time, Morticia coaxes (or maybe coaches) me to dry fit it all before gluing so nothing can go wrong. I do and everything fits. So I take it apart, and proceed to glue the wrong straight pieces into the two parts of the trap. Another trap ruined.
Fourth trip to Lowes: I buy the last trap of its kind in stock, and I am overcome with dread. This is my last chance!
I dry fit it again and this time I actually notice what fits where, when I take it apart. I glue it together, and finally, the drain works, and I (actually, Morticia) can use the washing machine again. Good thing, since we need to wash all the blankets and towels we used to wipe up the basement floor.
Bob
