Plumbing - How to Repair Sink Pipes

Your sink has pipes to supply water and take it away.

Water and waste lines are different sizes and are made of different materials, but they develop similar problems. The water in the sink supply lines is pressurized, and the usual sign that repair is needed is dripping or spraying water. On the other hand, unpressurized water travels through waste lines by force of gravity, and it's usually an obstruction that makes you reach for the tools. Waste lines can also leak, though, although the water doesn't spray. To fix waste and water pipes, you'll need to get a flashlight and a few simple tools.

Instructions

1. Tighten connections on the flexible tube that connects the angle stop to the faucet tube if they are leaking. The angle stop is the shut-off valve sticking out of the wall under the cabinet. Use slip-lock pliers, because they will give you the best grip. If the leaking doesn't stop, turn off the angle stop and disconnect the leaking connector. Wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the male end of the connection and tighten the nut back on.

2. Disconnect a flexible tube from the faucet if you suspect it is obstructed with mineral deposits or corrosion. Turn off the angle stop, loosen the connector and remove the tube. Place the end in a small bucket and turn on the angle stop. If water comes out, the obstruction is in the faucet. If no water comes out, disconnect the other end of the flexible tube from the angle stop and verify that water comes out when you open it. If it does, replace the flexible tube.

3. Tighten any nuts in the P-trap assembly connected to the sink drain if they leak when you open the drain. You can sometimes do this by hand, but if not, use slip-lock pliers. Make sure the end closest to the sink is attached high enough on the tailpiece, which is the pipe extending down from the drain, to make a good seal. If the nut is loose, it may have slipped down.

4. Plunge the sink with a plunger if the drain has become obstructed. Fill the sink, then make a seal around the drain with the plunger and pump vigorously until the water starts running.

5. Remove the P-trap to clear obstructions if the plunger doesn't work. Unscrew the nuts holding it to the tailpiece and waste line and work it gently off, keeping a bucket underneath to catch water. Take it outside and clean it thoroughly with the spray from a garden hose.

6. Clean out the waste line with a plumbing snake if the water still doesn't drain. Remove the P-trap, insert the snake into the drain and push it in until it stops. Turn the handle of the snake to work it through the obstruction.

7. Re-pack the sink drain if water is dripping from the sink. Disconnect the lift rod from the pop-up stopper and unscrew the nut holding the stopper lever into the tailpiece. Remove the lever.

8. Unscrew the nut holding the drain to the sink with slip-lock pliers. It is located underneath the sink. Tap upward on the drain to pop it free, then lift it out from above. Pack plumbers putty around the edges of the drain, set it back into the sink and tighten the nut to hold it. Re-attach the pop-up stopper assembly.

Tips & Warnings

• If your faucet won't deliver water and you have verified that the flexible supply tubes and angle stops are clear, you'll have to clean the faucet valves and possibly replace some parts.

• If the sink drains sluggishly and you hear gurgling sounds coming from other drains, check the vents on the roof of the house for obstructions.

References

• Simple Home Repairs: Home Repair Bathroom Sink - Down the Drain
• Super Home Ideas: Bathroom Sink Repair