How to Connect a Tub to a Sink Drain
You can often perform home plumbing alterations using standard tools and a copy of the home's building plans. The addition of a pipe to a drainage system can be performed without consideration for pipe capacity, because drainage pipes are installed with the understanding that other items may later be added to the drainage system. Connecting a newly installed tub to a drainage line requires few tools and little plumbing skill. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Examine the building plans to determine the routing of the sink into the drainage system.
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2
Locate a suitable connection into the sink drainage piping. The connection should be made in a manner that allows water to flow downward at a point after any other connections onto the drainage system. For example, the sink should drain above and into the connection bringing the tub drainage into the system.
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3
Turn off the water to the home. While the drainage system has no water pressure from the main water supply, it is useful to turn off the supply in case water from another source enters the system, for example, from an upstairs bathroom.
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4
Remove the connection between the sink and the drainage system. This is often a section of piping that connects the sink and drainage system on either end of a wrench-tightened collar.
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Clean the threads of the pipe on the exposed ends of the piping. Remove any sealant or Teflon tape left in the grooves of the piping.
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Apply a layer of Teflon tape around the clean threading. This tape helps create a firm, leak-proof connection. If PVC pipe is used, the connecting portions may be coated with a thin layer of PVC cement instead.
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Tighten the three-way connector onto both ends of the exposed piping. This closes the sink drainage once again and leaves an exposed, third set of pipe threads.
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Connect the drainage pipe from the tub to the remaining fitting on the three-way connector. Remember to apply Teflon tape or PVC cement to these threads as well.
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Tighten all connections to their manufacturer's specifications. A torque wrench is excellent for this task because it shows you the exact torque of the connection as it is tightened. PVC pipe does not require manual tightening.
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10
Test the connection by running some water through the pipes. If the connection is leak-free, it is ready for use.
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Examine the connection over several days. Use a sealant to stop leaks, or reattach the drainage system using more Teflon tape. Some piping may shrink after installation, possibly resulting in a small drip that can be fixed with sealant.
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