Rainwater goods joined with a single screw?

[Brynclarke]

We have had a builder replace and slightly reroute some rainwater downpioe. Two bits of the plastic pipe have been joined together by means of a single screw (see pic). Is this acceptable building practice?

 

[23vc]

Done all the time to stop the push fit decoupling if it’s not a tight fit.

 

[opps]

It is fairly common. Ideally the screw will be so short that it will not snag leaves etc. Often the screw is much longer.

 

[RandomGrinch]

...and ideally the screw should be stainless steel.

 

[seasickstevie]

I would've thought solvent cement would be the correct method

 

[Mottie]

I’ve done that to mine. When they get hot cold hot cold they can sometimes pull apart over time and a simple screw stops that.

 

[mrrusty]

Y, I do that too with push fit connections to stop the creep caused by expansion/contraction. I don't like plastic gutters because they always move about - prefer galv. steel.

 

[blup]

Take the screw out and check it is not too long so as to snag nosebleed and other debris, if so use solvent weld, or leave free for expansion if the main pipe is long enough

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

It's useful to be able to take it apart in future, so I wouldn't use solvent weld. A few bits of twig and leaves can gather in a corner.

It should be stainless, pan head and short enough that it doesn't cause an obstruction. That looks like a standard countersunk woodscrew, it will rust and is probably too long.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

You can buy small quantities of stainless self-tapper screws on ebay for £2-£3 delivered.

 

[foxhole]

I would've thought solvent cement would be the correct method

Joints aren’t always close enough to use solvent weld so screws much better and allows further adjustment.