[MMcG]

Figured I better start a separate thread for this one rather than just my reference to it in the GMT.

One of the pipes (the elbow shaped one) has a couple of hairline cracks in it and needs to be replaced. Seems like it should be a simple fix, but I suck at stuff like this so I want to check with someone with experience.

Seems like what I need to do is turn off the water to the faucet, unscrew the cracked pipe, get a new one of the same size and shape and screw it on.

Questions are as follows:

1. Am I accurate in my assumptions?
2. Do I need a special plumbers wrench to unscrew the cracked pipe?
3. Do I need any special plumbers grease or tape to install the new pipe?
4. I can just take the old elbow shaped pipe to Loew's or Home Depot and match up the size for the new one right?

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[stosh]

Get a bucket

 

[Westy]

There are a lot of different types of plumbing out there so it will really depend on what you have.

If the pipes are plastic you don't really want to use a wrench on it, should be tightened by hand. Getting it off can be tough and a pipe wrench or a pair of channel locks help.

Most drain pipes use a plastic washer or gasket on a flared surface to make the seal, no tape or grease or whatever is required.

Unless this is a 100 year old cast iron sink drain Lowes will have what you need.

 

[stosh]

The elbow is also called a "trap" becuase it keeps water in it so the smell doesn't seep into the house.

 

[Westy]

The elbow is also called a "trap" becuase it keeps water in it so the smell doesn't seep into the house.

I also stops dropped items from going sewer bound.

 

[stosh]

You don't have to turn the water off either.

 

[stosh]

I also stops dropped items from going sewer bound.

yep but I was trying to stress the fact that it has water in it.

 

[MMcG]

Yeah the "trap" has the leaks in it. the pipe is metal, not PVC. I should be able to unscrew it from both ends and pull it down and off right and then just get a new metal one to put in place of it correct?

 

[Westy]

yep but I was trying to stress the fact that it has water in it.

I was stressing the fact he might find a gold dabloon in there.

 

[robdamanii]

Yeah the "trap" has the leaks in it. the pipe is metal, not PVC. I should be able to unscrew it from both ends and pull it down and off right and then just get a new metal one to put in place of it correct?

Indeed. I'd use some teflon plumbers tape on it to make sure it seals. Lowes should have what you need, and can give you full guidance.

 

[stosh]

I was stressing the fact he might find a gold dabloon in there.

More likely he'll find a pile of schit though.

I didn't want to get the poor lad's hopes up.

 

[stosh]

Indeed. I'd use some teflon plumbers tape on it to make sure it seals. Lowes should have what you need, and can give you full guidance.

I'd rather get plumbing help from a blind crak whore than a lowes/home depot employee.

 

[robdamanii]

I'd rather get plumbing help from a blind crak whore than a lowes/home depot employee.

That's not the only thing the blind crack whore can give you.

And it depends on the Lowes. Ours is actually pretty knowedgable.

 

[Crashby]

Yeah the "trap" has the leaks in it. the pipe is metal, not PVC. I should be able to unscrew it from both ends and pull it down and off right and then just get a new metal one to put in place of it correct?

Yep! I did this exact repair 2 weeks ago in my basement... I just took the trap parts to my local hardware store, and got perfect replacements. Make very sure that you take the gaskets (or remains thereof) as they will give you the seal you need... should cost you about $15 bones...

 

[Westy]

Yeah the "trap" has the leaks in it. the pipe is metal, not PVC. I should be able to unscrew it from both ends and pull it down and off right and then just get a new metal one to put in place of it correct?

Yep, one end will have a flared connection the other will slide into the other pipe like a trombone and a compression connection will seal everything.

 

[N8 v2.0]

Photos?

 

[MMcG]

Nope no photos - discovered the leak this a.m. and we were both running late for work.

Sounds like Crashby hit the nail on the head with what we need to do to replace the trap pipe.

 

[Crashby]

I was stressing the fact he might find a gold dabloon in there.

Yarg!!!.... There's gold in them there plumbing trap!!!

 

[stosh]

If anybody just started reading this site out of the blue... I wonder what they would think...

 

[robdamanii]

If anybody just started reading this site out of the blue... I wonder what they would think...

That we all have severe issues?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Nope no photos - discovered the leak this a.m. and we were both running late for work.

Sounds like Crashby hit the nail on the head with what we need to do to replace the trap pipe.

This sounds like my kind of repair!

 

[I Are Baboon]

"Dad's a plumber and he's into plumbing and, well, I guess you plumb, right dad?"

 

[Qman]

there's a chance that the leaks are coming from one of the connections upstream. These old metal ones have rubber gaskets in there and if you haven't ever replaced one, they could be pretty hard or rotted and gone. Depending on when your house was built and how standard the pipe entrance to the wall/drain system, you'll probably be better off buying an all new plastic trap kit. It has the flanges that you hand tighten and plastic sealing flanges instead of the rubber gaskets. I've spent countless hours trying to get old steel/brass traps back together since each piece was in various states of corrosion. I've just given up and go all new plastic now.
It's up to you how far up to the sink you want to replace things. There's a big rubber donut that seals the drain to the bottom of the sink and that could be the culprit too.
And no, for this you don't need to turn the water off unless you think you'll forget that the drain isn't in tact and try to wash your hands before going for a beer break but you will need a bucket. Channel lock pliers should work. Use a pipe wrench if they don't.

Good luck with help from the big box stores. I've had hit or miss there andmostly miss. Not sure where you are but Seattle area has Aurora Plumbing & Electric supply. All the people on staff at the counter are licensed electricians or plumbers and will spend as much time with you as you need.
Let us know how many trips to the store this one takes.

 

[MMcG]

there's a chance that the leaks are coming from one of the connections upstream. These old metal ones have rubber gaskets in there and if you haven't ever replaced one, they could be pretty hard or rotted and gone. Depending on when your house was built and how standard the pipe entrance to the wall/drain system, you'll probably be better off buying an all new plastic trap kit. It has the flanges that you hand tighten and plastic sealing flanges instead of the rubber gaskets. I've spent countless hours trying to get old steel/brass traps back together since each piece was in various states of corrosion. I've just given up and go all new plastic now.
It's up to you how far up to the sink you want to replace things. There's a big rubber donut that seals the drain to the bottom of the sink and that could be the culprit too.
And no, for this you don't need to turn the water off unless you think you'll forget that the drain isn't in tact and try to wash your hands before going for a beer break but you will need a bucket. Channel lock pliers should work. Use a pipe wrench if they don't.

Good luck with help from the big box stores. I've had hit or miss there andmostly miss. Not sure where you are but Seattle area has Aurora Plumbing & Electric supply. All the people on staff at the counter are licensed electricians or plumbers and will spend as much time with you as you need.
Let us know how many trips to the store this one takes.

I can visually see the cracks in the Trap pipe and see the water flowing from said cracks - so I think for now that is all that needs replacing.

MBC - come on over and do the fix - we'll feed you and provide you with beer!

 

[stosh]

I can visually see the cracks in the Trap pipe and see the water flowing from said cracks - so I think for now that is all that needs replacing.

MBC - come on over and do the fix - we'll feed you and provide you with beer!

Dude, inviting a woman over to fix a sink trap for you is LAME' O!!!!

 

[Wumpus]

The plastic stuff is cheap. You could probably replace all of the pipe for under $20 bucks. I had to use a rubber gasket reducer($4???) to connect to the old cast iron pipes.

 

[MMcG]

Dude, inviting a woman over to fix a sink trap for you is LAME' O!!!!

It might be Lam O' in your mind, but it would get me out of doing the work so why not!?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

MBC - come on over and do the fix - we'll feed you and provide you with beer!

Hey - I'm just the project manager. I still need someone to be the muscle.

and Stosh - screw you. :eviltongu

 

[MMcG]

The plastic stuff is cheap. You could probably replace all of the pipe for under $20 bucks. I had to use a rubber gasket reducer($4???) to connect to the old cast iron pipes.

Rubber Gasket reducer? Huh? Come again?

 

[urbaindk]

"Dad's a plumber and he's into plumbing and, well, I guess you plumb, right dad?"

I'm not a plumber.
I'm a plumber's son,
I'll keep on plumbing pheasants
until the pheasant plumbings done?