How to Put a Washer on a PVC Pipe

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Things You'll Need

  • Clean rags

  • Drain assembly kit

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

There are two washers common to PVC plumbing. A flanged washer often sits where the PVC pipe connects to the sink drain basin of a kitchen sink and the tapered slip washer that seals the connections between the down tube coming from the sink and the connections of the P-trap. The tapered washer is the more common of the two as it is used on all sinks using a removable P-trap. If you install the slip washer improperly, the joint will not seal allowing water to leak from the connections.

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Step 1

Wipe the PVC pipe with a clean rag to remove light dirt from the pipe's surface.

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Step 2

Place the flanged washer onto the top of the flanged down tube, with the down turned edge resting inside of the PVC pipe.

Step 3

Secure the down tube to the base of the sink per the drain kit installation instructions.

Step 4

Slide the slip nut onto the down tube, with the threaded inner section of the nut facing the bottom of the sink cabinet.

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Step 5

Hold the slip washer in your hand, with the tapered side of the slip washer facing down.

Step 6

Place the slip washer at the base of the down tube, ensuring that the thicker end of the slip washer facing toward the pipe.

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Step 7

Push the slip washer onto the PVC pipe and slide it one-inch up from the pipe's bottom edge.

Step 8

Repeat the procedure to install the slip washers at each PVC connection.

Step 9

Connect the PVC pipe as described in the assembly instructions.

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Step 10

Turn on the water and check each slip connection for signs of water leaks. If you find a leak, undo the connection that leaks and ensure that the slip washer is installed properly, with the taper of the washer facing toward the connection.

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