DIY Plumbing for a Bathroom Sink

Bathroom sinks need to be properly plumbed.

When you install a new sink in your bathroom, you need to connect the water supply lines and the drain pipes in order for the sink to work properly. Plumbing for a bathroom sink may also need to be repaired if there is a leak or if the sink is not draining properly. Installing or fixing the plumbing for a bathroom sink is a DIY project that you can complete in a couple of hours if you have the right tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Flexible water supply lines
• Caulk
• Cloth or rag
• Plumbers putty
• PVC J-trap assembly
• Metal wire

Instructions

Installing a New Sink

1. Insert the faucet into the sink and then lift the sink up and set it upside down. Secure the faucet to the sink with the adjustable wrench.

2. Attach the flexible water supply lines to the faucet. Secure the water supply lines by tightening the fittings with the adjustable wrench.

3. Place a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the flange on the underside of the sink.

4. Lift the sink up and set it into the hole in the countertop. Press on the sink firmly to seal the caulk to the countertop. Remove any excess caulk with a cloth or rag.

5. Place a bead of plumbers putty around the drain opening and then set the drain and drain pipe assembly into the sink. Tighten the lock nut washer on the underside of the sink to secure the drain assembly with the adjustable wrench.

6. Connect the PVC j-trap assembly to the sink drain and tighten the connections by hand or use the adjustable wrench.

7. Attach the flexible water supply lines to the hot and cold water shut-off valves. Tighten the connection or fitting to secure the water supply lines with the adjustable wrench.

8. Turn on the water and check for any leaks.

Fix Existing Plumbing

1. Examine the water pipes and drain pipes for any leaks. If no leaks can be found the j-trap may be clogged.

2. Loosen the connections on the PVC j-trap by hand or use an adjustable wrench. Continue to loosen the connection and then remove the j-trap.

3. Clean out the j-trap with a metal wire to remove any debris that are caught in the trap. Rinse the trap out with water.

4. Re-attach the j-trap to the drain line and tighten the connections.

5. Turn on the water and see if the sink will now drain properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Tightening the faucet connection to the sink too tightly can cause the sink to crack.

References

• homeadditionplus.com: How to Install a Bathroom Sink
• woodgears.ca: Installing a new bathroom sink