Guidelines for capping off a PVC drainpipe in the basement flush with floor? (2023 Update)

[427Cobraman]

I relocated a drain for the upstairs washer and am wondering if there is any type of code that needs to be addressed as far as capping off the unused drain (PVC). I would like to cut it off flush with the basement floor since I will be finishing the basement, and I'm wondering how I should cap it off. Is there an inside-diameter plug I could glue in then fill with quick-crete or should I chip out the concrete that is around the pipe down far enough to place a standard cap on then fill and level with quick-crete? Thanks, Alex

[Bob]

I've never seen a PVC plug that can be glued inside a pipe, but that doesn't mean they don't make them. They do make an inside plug that you tighten with a bolt, (similar to a replacement freeze plug for automobile engines). If you use one of those, you can always take it out if you have drain problems.

[bill allemann]

Another option is to install a floor cleanout fitting. You would need to chip out some clearance. The fitting utilizes a female thread adapter, then the cleanout fitting that threads into the adapter. You can adjust height accurately because of the threaded assembly. When set at the right height, you can mud in the remaining gap. They have these fittings at Lowes. Bill

[myself]

Cutting it off at floor level is just plain stupid. If you ever need a cleanout, you wont be able to use it, and there are no internal plugs made except the ones that seal a expandable rubber ring when you tighten a nut on top. But that nut will stick above the floor and will become a thing to trip on. Just leave it stick a foot or so above the floor and put a standard cleanout plug on the end. Otherwise, remove all the concrete around it and completely remove it. You could also put a flange there and have an extra toilet.

[bill allemann]

I think the proper name is "flush cleanout fitting"

[hallerb]

Theres a rubber cover that attaches over the pipe with a big hose clamp. If your cementing over this drop a tin can over the combo, makes it easy to unearth if ever needed

[BobK207]

I would suggest chipping away the concrete & installing a "silp to female thread" adapter & use a Brass Cleanout Plug with a recessed square driving element.

If you REALLY don't think you'll ever need it, I'd remove the line back to the nearest active line; cut & plug or cap there rather than concreting over an unused line.

just my HO.

cheers Bob

[427Cobraman]

Well, this drain is the only one on this particular branch and I will never need to access it. The basement is already roughed-in for a full bath, so those bases are covered. Thanks for the suggestions!

[RicodJour]

It's unlikely that "a drain for the upstairs washer" would have a 3" waste line, but I agree it shouldn't be cut off flush. Either cleanout stub above the floor or chip away the slab and cap it correctly.

R

[tev9999]

The previous owners cut off a drain pipe (cast iron) flush with the basement floor when they remodeled the kitchen. When I bought the house, the pipe was just open - no cap. I capped it with an expanding rubber plug (wing nut to expand). It stuck up above the floor, but I didn't care as it was in the laundry area out of the way. It came in real handy with my kitchen remodel since I moved the sink back to it's original location. I wish they had left it above the floor to make reconnection easier, but was still able to do it with a donut on the ID and some new PVC.

[yourself]

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