I just replaced a pedestal sink after a bathroom remodel. I can't get the P-trap to stop leaking. I have attempted to get good alignment, and by feel think I did fairly well (there is not much room to work or see behind that pedestal).
I think the leak is at the joint where the tail piece enters the p-trap for the following reasons:
1. I cannot see any leaks from the ABS-to-ABS joint at the exit of the P-trap.
2. I cannot see any leaks from the higher end of the tailpiece (I also Teflon-taped the top threads of the tailpiece and made sure the pop-up pivot arm is tight).
3. The leak is not evident immediately during use. The floor has drops of water a few minutes after use.
4. The attached picture shows (I think) some water above the red rubber washer at the bottom of the tailpiece. (note: The tailpiece is shiny metal and at the bottom it reflects the inside of the white nut; there is no Teflon tape at the bottom.
I assume that the P-trap exit for some reason is just a bit higher than the joint where the tailpiece enters the P-trap. Hence, after use the water at the exit of the trap is just a tiny bit above the red washer and creates positive water pressure under it. Over a few minutes the water oozes out through the washer. Maybe the red washer cannot maintain a seal because of a small mis-alignment. I have tried silicone grease on the p-trap but that does not solve the problem. Originally, I used a "one piece" white nut that came with the P trap, but was advised to get the red rubber washer.
Are such p-traps available that have a slightly longer (i.e., higher) pipe on the entry side to assure that the joint is above the static water level? If so, would that help me? Any other ideas on how to stop the leak?
Thanks,
Tom
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I think the leak is at the joint where the tail piece enters the p-trap for the following reasons:
1. I cannot see any leaks from the ABS-to-ABS joint at the exit of the P-trap.
2. I cannot see any leaks from the higher end of the tailpiece (I also Teflon-taped the top threads of the tailpiece and made sure the pop-up pivot arm is tight).
3. The leak is not evident immediately during use. The floor has drops of water a few minutes after use.
4. The attached picture shows (I think) some water above the red rubber washer at the bottom of the tailpiece. (note: The tailpiece is shiny metal and at the bottom it reflects the inside of the white nut; there is no Teflon tape at the bottom.
I assume that the P-trap exit for some reason is just a bit higher than the joint where the tailpiece enters the P-trap. Hence, after use the water at the exit of the trap is just a tiny bit above the red washer and creates positive water pressure under it. Over a few minutes the water oozes out through the washer. Maybe the red washer cannot maintain a seal because of a small mis-alignment. I have tried silicone grease on the p-trap but that does not solve the problem. Originally, I used a "one piece" white nut that came with the P trap, but was advised to get the red rubber washer.
Are such p-traps available that have a slightly longer (i.e., higher) pipe on the entry side to assure that the joint is above the static water level? If so, would that help me? Any other ideas on how to stop the leak?
Thanks,
Tom
