Leaking Sink Repair

Tools:

large adjustable pipe wrench
plumber's grease
wire brush
flat-head screwdriver
plastic nut, trap and washers

1. Always start from the leak and work toward the drain.

2. Before buying new pipes, always take note of the size and shape of the pipes you're replacing. A diagram is a great way to do this (figure A). Another idea is to just remove the bad components and take them with you to the home improvement store.

3. Begin by loosening the nut with the pipe wrench (figure B). Gently turn the nut to your left. Remove the other slip nut on the opposite end of the trap, which should free the trap.

4. Clean rust and gunk build-up from the sink pipe using the wire brush (figure C). Clean the other connection with the brush, and remove the old washer from the drainpipe.

5. Replace the old washer with a new one (figure D), and coat the new washer with plumber's grease before inserting.

6. Begin attaching the new trap. Slide the nut up on the drain from the sink, then slide the washer up underneath (figure E).

7. Attach the new trap to both slip nuts, tighten by hand and check for leaks by filling the sink with water and pulling the plug. Repeat on other sink if necessary.