Title: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain—DIY or call in a pro?
- Seen this play out too many times in rentals. Push-fits are quick, but if you’ve got tenants or anyone who stores stuff under the sink, it’s just asking for trouble.
- Had one case where a tenant kept a mop bucket under there—one bump, and the whole connector popped. Water everywhere.
- For high-traffic or “handsy” areas, I always go with solvent weld (glue and primer). Takes a few extra minutes, but I’d rather do it right once than come back for a leak at 2 a.m.
- In spots where nobody’s touching the plumbing (like inside a wall), I might use push-fit for speed, but only if I trust the brand and it’s not under constant pressure.
- Some folks swear by push-fit everywhere, but I just can’t get behind it for exposed spots. Maybe I’m old school, but chasing leaks is a pain and tenants don’t always notice until there’s damage.
- DIY is fine if you know what you’re doing, but if you’re not comfortable with glue and primer, it’s worth calling someone who is. Seen too many “handyman specials” that end up costing more in repairs.
Not saying push-fit is useless, just not worth the risk in certain spots. Guess it comes down to how much you trust the people using the space... and how much you like surprise water features under your sink.
“Guess it comes down to how much you trust the people using the space... and how much you like surprise water features under your sink.”
Haha, “surprise water features” made me snort. Been there, mopped that. Here’s my two cents:
- I go the DIY route unless it’s something that could turn my kitchen into a slip-n-slide.
- Push-fit is like fast food—tempting, but I always regret it later. Last time I used one under the bathroom sink, my kid decided that was the perfect spot for his science experiment... pop! Instant ecosystem.
- Solvent weld is more work, but at least I’m not waking up to a puddle (or mold) later on.
- If it’s behind a wall or somewhere nobody’s poking around, I might use push-fit, but only if it’s a solid brand and not under pressure.
- Also—bonus points for solvent weld being less plastic waste over time (less re-doing jobs = fewer trips to the hardware store). My compost pile thanks me.
Honestly, half the time I’m just trying to avoid giving my houseplants an accidental bath.
Push-fit is like fast food—tempting, but I always regret it later.
That’s dead-on. I’ve seen too many “quick fixes” turn into emergency calls after a few months. Solvent weld takes longer, but it’s usually a one-and-done deal. Your compost pile has the right idea—less waste, less stress.
I hear you on the quick fixes—seen too many push-fit joints start weeping after a season or two, especially if there’s any vibration or movement in the line. Solvent weld isn’t glamorous, but it’s solid. Ever notice how much less you worry about callbacks when you take the extra time? I get why folks want fast installs, but honestly, a little patience up front saves a lot of headaches (and water damage) down the road.
Title: How do you usually tackle installing a new drain—DIY or call in a pro?
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to go back and fix those “quick” installs, especially in rentals. Tenants don’t always report a tiny leak until it turns into a science experiment under the sink. I’m with you—solvent weld’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. The extra 20 minutes pays off big time when you’re not mopping up water at 2am. Fast isn’t always smart, especially if you’re the one footing the repair bill...