this was my first attempt at plumbing. We bought the home a year ago and I recently noticed the pipes under one of the sinks were leaking, specifically at a joint. It appears that they used to J bends to make it work and then used some kind of glue which ultimately failed. Is that a common practice? Please any feedback on the after shot would be great. Thanks!
DIY Plumbing Repair
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Oh yeah, that's the worst type of DIY plumbing. Those plastic gaskets will all eventually leak. I replace all that all the time with black abs plastic and just glue it, no joints to eventually leak. The hot and cold cycles of water will eventually loosen them. It would be ideal to make it all out of steel pipe, but that gets expensive so that's why there's that cheap PVC.
nothing wrong with typical plastic joints BUT if they the leaking like pictured one, its NOT squarely fitted, hence the leak. chrome can be problematic but plastic connections DONT need glue as they are meant for EZE removal to clean the "trap" used to stop the stink from the sewer!
What's that accordian type pipe? Is that legal code wise? I have black abs in my house and never had an issue in 18+ years. I've opened the p traps a few times to clean them out every few years.
Proper plumbing should not need caulk or glue on joints make to be tightened and come apart by hand.
I would replace the gasket anytime you take it apart and clean sealing surfaces.
I would replace the accordion section with the proper fitting.
I would replace the gasket anytime you take it apart and clean sealing surfaces.
I would replace the accordion section with the proper fitting.
You normally use glue on black abs pipe. I wasn't referring to using it on his current set up. When you glue pipes, you don't have to worry about leaks. You can put in a cleanout to make snaking easier. Those plugs typically don't leak either unlike those screwed on joints.
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Great I typically don’t do plumbing since I don’t have any home repair tools that aren’t for things other than mechanic work. Looks good.
I'm not an Plumber but glue probably only needs to be used for pressurized pipes IMO. I had to replace my sink pipes like the OP did because the previous owner didn't cut the pipes long enough. You also have to make sure the seals are in the right direction of flow.
Ditch the flexpipe, it’s a clog waiting to happen...
eh, I'd wait for the flexpipe to cause issues - it'll be easy to remove and repair if/when that happens.
I am seeing that now, i have done some more research on youtube. I am going to keep it there for now. Once it gets clogged I will buy the proper PVC and a cutter to make it work. I didn't realize the flex pipe was that bad. lol I even made a facebook post I was so proud of myself... XD
I'm not a plumber but just because H-D sold it doesn't mean it meets code. I worked at a competing big-box hardware store for a couple of years and we were constantly reminded that we are not supposed to answer any questions regarding something meeting code or not.
Yes I have recently discovered that it does not meet code. Luckily I'm not doing remodel or anything that requires pulling a permit. When this piece fails, I will get a PVC cutter and make a proper fitting. Thanks for the feedback!
My understanding is they are not legal by plumbing code anywhere (in the US). I'm not sure why they're not allowed though...
See above about code. Just because you can buy it in stores doesn't mean it's code-compliant. Reality is, people want them and a lot of plumbing work doesn't get inspected.
Usually when you work with those plastic fittings under the sink, there is some room for things to move a bit which allows for you to get everything connected and not have to worry when doing repairs you can pull the part that goes Into the wall or cabinet in order to hook up stuff or get it out of the way depending on what you are doing. Inside the walls and joists etc, stuff will be attached with strapping or hangers or holes drilled through joists (but they should be small holes and not compromising the structure of those joists) otherwise they down and around joists and are boxed into a soffit etc).
First, I’m not a plumber but I’ve done a few jobs like that before. Dittos on the suggestions to get rid of the flex pipe.
That P trap looks like it has a longer up pipe to the drain than I have seen and done before. The down leg from the sink could be shorter
One suggestion, take a few pictures or video with your electronic device before you go to the store. That might save you extra trips.
That P trap looks like it has a longer up pipe to the drain than I have seen and done before. The down leg from the sink could be shorter
One suggestion, take a few pictures or video with your electronic device before you go to the store. That might save you extra trips.
I would go to Home Depot and buy a Water Alarm.
I have them under my kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Basement Watchdog Battery-Operated Water Alarm-BWD-HWA - The Home Depot
I have them under my kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Basement Watchdog Battery-Operated Water Alarm-BWD-HWA - The Home Depot
I think if you turned the last pipe going into the wall slightly counter clockwise and used a solid pipe you could eliminate the flexpipe. You should line everything up plumb before tightning the nuts. The problem with gluing is.... that if the pipe becomes clogged you end up having to replace all the piping.
For a first time effort it looks functional to me. Sure it might not meet code, but as long as it doesn't leak and performs adequately then the fact that it's a code violation isn't a concern until the house goes up for sale.
(In other words, on the totem pole of code violations, this one is towards the bottom.. it's not some structural beam we're talking about)
But redoing it all with real PVC and a newer p-trap with a removable access port shouldn't cost more than $50 and a few hours.
(In other words, on the totem pole of code violations, this one is towards the bottom.. it's not some structural beam we're talking about)
But redoing it all with real PVC and a newer p-trap with a removable access port shouldn't cost more than $50 and a few hours.
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