Repairing the pipes or drain under the sink can seem simple enough, to some people, but it can be incredibly intimidating for others. No matter what your skill and confidence level, it’s important to be sure that when you tackle this common household repair, you do it properly. Otherwise, you could risk a leak of anywhere from a drip to a full rush of soapy water after doing the dishes.
We’re going to talk about how to connect pipes under the sink. We’ll cover what tools and supplies you’ll need to do it right, and how to get it done. We’ll also cover where you can turn if you need some local help with making sure it’s done right.
Before You Begin – Tools You’ll Need
Before you start this project, there are some tools you’ll need. The plumbing under your sink should be plastic piping, so you’ll need the following tools and supplies:
- Slip-joint pliers
- Pipe wrench
- P-trap
- Drainpipe
- Washers, nuts, and additional straight piping, if needed
Steps To Connect Pipes Under The Sink
It’s important to remember that all of the plumbing under your sink will be relatively unique to your home. Components may be the same from one home to another, but the positioning and measurements of the exact setup will vary. Here are the basic steps that you’ll need to follow to connect pipes under the sink:
- Install The Drain Assembly: This is where the sink connects to the drain. First, put the included gasket over the drain hole. Then slide a nut onto the drain assembly and slide it into the drain hole then tighten the nut down to secure it.
- Install The P-Trap: This is the curved portion of the under-sink drain that not only keeps items from going down the drain but keeps sewer gasses out of the home as well. The p-trap attaches to the drain assembly of the sink, then to the drain line itself.
- Connect The Water Supply: The water supply can be reconnected or turned back on if turned off at the shutoff valve. Use the slip-joint pliers to make sure the connection is secure.
- Check For Leaks: Now you’ll need to turn on the water while monitoring underneath the sink for leaks. You should watch for at least a minute or two so that you can see the formation of any slow leaks that may only result in a periodic drip. Use a dry finger to feel around the joints for moisture.
Plumbing A Sink Drain Pipe
The drain pipe is an important component of keeping your drain operating smoothly. Here’s how to make sure yours fits well:
- Measure the drainpipe from the p-trap to the main drain line, and then add a few inches for potential slack.
- Cut the pipe with a hacksaw or sharp utility knife.
- Attach the drainpipe to the p-trap, using the pipe wrench to attach the drainpipe to the p-trap.
- Attach the drainpipe to the main drain line access, and use a pipe wrench to ensure the connection is tight and free of leaks.
- Check for leaks after turning on the water supply, if you notice any leaking water, turn the supply off and tighten all connections.
Emory Can Take The Hassle Out Of Plumbing Repairs
If this sounds like more than you want to handle right now, or if you’d simply rather delegate this project to a professional to ensure it’s done quickly and properly, Emory is here to help. We’ve been providing leading plumbing solutions for San Diego area families for years. Reach out today to speak with an expert member of our team about getting started.