A leaking P-trap can turn into a major plumbing disaster and cause a mess beneath your kitchen or bathroom sink. This begs the question: How do I stop my P-trap from leaking? Find out how the licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling address this issue and preserve plumbing systems.
What Causes a Faulty P-Trap Pipe?
The main purpose of PVC or metal traps below sinks is to keep harmful gases out of the drain line. When PVC P-traps spring a leak, these gases can flow from the pipe and cause foul odors throughout your home. In addition, wastewater will seep out of pipe sections and cause significant damage.
Improper installation and ill-fitting compression nuts often lead to this issue. You may also experience a leak because of worn-out washers and pipe corrosion.
How to Fix the Plastic Trap Beneath Your Sink Drain
Ask a professional plumber, “How do I stop my P-trap from leaking?” and they’ll tell you that fixing the trap leak involves a few different steps. Below is a breakdown of tips for repairing the equipment.
Identify the Leak
Although you’ll likely suspect a leak because of the gas odors, you’ll have to pinpoint the exact location before moving forward. Look for any dripping water around the pipe.
Tighten the Compression Collar
It’s possible that the slip nuts on the P-trap became loose. You can try to hand tighten the collar or pick up some slip joint pliers from your local home improvement store. Be careful not to over-tighten the compression collar as this can damage the pipes.
Disassemble the Entire Trap
When tightening the collar fails to stop the leak, you’ll have to take a more robust approach to fixing your plumbing. Repairing your trap assembly involves:
- Shutting off the water supply: Use the water shut-off valve to prevent a huge mess as you work on the pipe.
- Removing the old P-trap: Loosen the nuts in the correct direction to remove the leaking part. Wipe up any water that spills out at this time.
- Sealing the opening: Stuff a towel into the line to act as a pipe sealant and prevent sewer gas from escaping
- Replacing damaged pieces: Head to your local hardware store and find replacement equipment for any damaged pieces, such as slip joint nuts, washers, and O-rings.
After you put the correct pieces in place it’s time to restore your water supply and turn on your bathroom or kitchen sink. The pipe should remove all wastewater without any leaks in sight. Contact an expert if you still find evidence of a leak and aren’t sure how to fix it.
Let Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Repair Your Leaking Sink P-Trap
Why is my garbage disposal making strange noises? How do I stop my P-trap from leaking? The licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating & Cool can answer all of your plumbing questions.
Give us a call if you need someone to fix a leaky P-trap or tend to another plumbing issue. Call (518) 545-3271 to speak with a specialist.
