How do I replace the sink trap pipes?

Art teacher
by Art teacher

When one is replacing the three part PVC sink trap... what should one secure or lightly secure first... tried it once ,but it still leals from where it goes into the wall. Mr. NOT-handy

  5 answers
  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Mar 05, 2019

    Make sure to use the white plumbers taper on that one and it should seal better. If you are using PVC pipe, make sure it is just finger tight, any tighter and you could crack the PVC pipe. I would start with the piece that goes into the pipe in the wall first since that one would be the hardest to reach if you started at the sink and come forward. I have taken my mom's apart many times and put it back together because the pipe under her sink in her condo doesn't come out of the wall where it should. It ended up with the disposal pipe being totally horizontal connecting from the disposal to the main pipe and gets plugged very easily. I have it down to five minutes total taking it apart and putting it back together. I got my plumbing 101 very quickly the first time she plugged up the disposal years ago.

    • See 1 previous
    • William William on Mar 06, 2019

      The tape won't hurt but it isn't really needed because the gaskets create the seal.

  • William William on Mar 05, 2019

    You mat need new gaskets. The one in the wall goes first loosely. Then the P trap also loosely. Once all are lined up in position hand tighten all the connections. Do not overtighten or you can disfigure the gaskets. Do not use a wrench. The metal ones require about 1/4 turn beyond hand tightening with a wrench.

    • Art teacher Art teacher on Mar 06, 2019

      I will double check all as soon as i can get down there... going on 74 makes these kind or any for that matter more difficult. Thank you.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Mar 05, 2019

    Generally traps are hand tightened so that if you have to remove them for cleaning you can do so. The wall is done first and then work your way back. You can apply a plumbing tape to the threads and this should help prevent any leaks providing you have tightened it enough.

    • William William on Mar 06, 2019

      The tape won't hurt but it isn't really needed because the gaskets create the seal.

  • Art teacher Art teacher on Mar 06, 2019

    Thank you... I started with the pipe that came down from the sink and when i got to the straight pipe that went into the wall, I got a flood! I'm not bright and close to 74, so these things are a bit more difficult to do by myself. Thank you once again and I'll try the tape too.

  • William William on Mar 06, 2019

    The tape won't hurt but it isn't really needed because the gaskets create the seal.