I get what you’re saying about dry-fitting and sticking with rigid pipe, but honestly, I’ve had decent luck with some of the newer flex stuff—at least when it’s not the bargain bin kind. Sometimes rigid just doesn’t want to cooperate, especially if the drain’s way off-center or the cabinet’s cramped. Ever try those adjustable trap kits? They’re not perfect, but they’ve saved me from tearing my hair out a couple times. Still, nothing beats a good old-fashioned slip joint that lines up right the first time... but that’s rare in these quirky old houses.
Yeah, those adjustable traps are a lifesaver when things just don’t line up like they should. I still get nervous about flex pipe over time—just feels like it’s one more spot for a leak to start. But in a pinch, especially with weird old plumbing, you gotta do what works.
I still get nervous about flex pipe over time—just feels like it’s one more spot for a leak to start.
I hear you on that. Had a flex pipe under my old kitchen sink and it started weeping after a couple years—caught it before any real damage, but still. Ever try using rigid PVC with those offset couplers? Bit more work, but I trust 'em more long-term.
I get where you’re coming from—flex pipe always feels like a shortcut, and not the good kind. I’ve had to clean up a couple messes from those things splitting or leaking at the joints. Rigid PVC with offset couplers is definitely more of a hassle to fit, but I’d rather put in the extra time than deal with water damage later. Do you ever worry about the stress on the joints when you’re forcing those offsets into place? Sometimes I wonder if we’re just trading one risk for another...
Do you ever worry about the stress on the joints when you’re forcing those offsets into place? Sometimes I wonder if we’re just trading one risk for another...
Honestly, this is exactly why I’m not 100% anti-flex pipe. Rigid PVC is solid, sure, but if you have to muscle it into place, you can end up with micro-cracks or stressed joints that’ll haunt you six months down the line. Here’s my “split the difference” move: use a short section of flex just at the offset, then rigid everywhere else. Keeps things aligned without torquing everything out of shape. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from some midnight call-backs... and my knees appreciate it.
