Shouldn’t this be a mechanical connection?
![082511 122 [800x600].JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/2X/c/cd8d5b134d31227e56c7ee0311649e05d3de89b7.jpeg)
It appears they might have used one of these meant for that application.
http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/52-333-pvc-adaptors/pvc-to-cast-iron-adapter-240648.aspx:)
That would be my guess also, as there are no signs of leakage in the pic.
2009 IRC P3003.18 Joints between different materials.
Joints between
different piping materials shall be made with a mechanical
joint of the compression or mechanical-sealing type conforming
to ASTM C 1173, ASTM C 1460 or ASTM C 1461. Connectors
and adapters shall be approved for the application and
such joints shall have an elastomeric seal conforming toASTM
C 425, ASTM C 443, ASTM C 564, ASTM C 1440, ASTM D
1869, ASTM F 477, CSA A257.3M or CSA B602, or as
required in Sections P3003.18.1 through P3003.18.6. Joints
between glass pipe and other types of materials shall be made
with adapters having a TFE seal. Joints shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Well, did it?
Jeffery, to me that means a “rubber” type connector with clamps.
I was thinking two of these would work well:
http://www.fernco.com/img/intro_side_residential_plumbing.jpg
In my opinion, you would be partially wrong…
A rubber connector is not the same thing as an elastomeric seal. An elastomeric seal is a pliable/rubberized sealant when cured, (as opposed to oakum), or a manufactured pliable seal (such as an o-ring). Most likely this was installed with a pourable sealant, but you were there. What did you observe?
You also need to break the paragraph down…
Thanks for the explanation. Here’s what I saw.
Joe:
Why do you get all the fun inspections. I can’t even crawl under many of the inspections in my area. No fare !!!:mad:
Crawling in a wet, 24" high crawl space in 90 degree (F) heat and 90% humidity with mosquitoes buzzing around your ears ain’t fun!
Hmmm…
Impossible to tell in the pic, but if I had to guess, I would say oakum, or (gasp) caulk, was used. Did you attempt to ‘feel’ the seal/sealent? If so was it ‘rubbery’? I guess technically, (if it meets the listed standards) silicone would be an elastomeric sealant.
Didn’t touch it. I guess I’ll not say anything about it this time. I believe this is the 1st time in 6 years I’ve seen this. Maybe when I see another one I’ll be better informed.
See, learn something new every day! 
i’d at least mention uncertain/undetermined dissimilar material connection
that way when it leaks or fails the day after closing…
1 Like
The fitting I was talking about was for the upper joint, the horizontal joint is anyones guess.
2009 IRC P3003.18 Joints between different materials.
Joints between
different piping materials shall be made with a mechanical
joint of the compression or mechanical-sealing type conforming
to ASTM C 1173, ASTM C 1460 or ASTM C 1461. Connectors
and adapters shall be approved for the application and
such joints shall have an elastomeric seal conforming toASTM
C 425, ASTM C 443, ASTM C 564, ASTM C 1440, ASTM D
1869, ASTM F 477, CSA A257.3M or CSA B602, or as
required in Sections P3003.18.1 through P3003.18.6. Joints
between glass pipe and other types of materials shall be made
with adapters having a TFE seal. Joints shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
I referred the plumbing in the crawl to a plumber due to PVC to ABS connections. Hopefully he’ll see other problems (if this is one).
But then again, we all know a plumber won’t show up at all. There are no leaks.
If it wasn’t leaking I wonder where all that rust stain on the ABS right at the connection came from? Was the house vacant? been vacant for a long time (time for leaks to dry up). How much water did you force through it. On old homes I usually flush all the toilets half a dozen times at minimum, especially if the home has not been occupied for some time which seems to be the case most of the time these days. Just some thoughts. I would write it up unless I knew for certain it was done correctly. In my mind it isn’t.
I was as well Marcel, but I guess given the right size, an adapter of the same material wouldn’t be necessary, and the “seal” would have the same requirements. JMHO.
True, and on a different note, the ABS pipe itself can be inserted in the bell end of the pipe with oakum installed and packed with lead wool and won’t leak. This one could have been done in a similar way and they used a caulk sealant, or similar material.
Who knows, best to just recommend to a Master plumber to evaluate and repair if necessary. 