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Weekend Warrior

02:02AM | 03/03/06
Member Since: 11/29/02
106 lifetime posts
Bvplumbing
No matter how snug or tight I make them, I cannot get the slip joints in my sink drain to completely seal.

All of the pipes/ nuts/ washers are brand new.

Is there a secret or 'trick' I don't know about?

Thanks in advance.

Sylvan

04:04AM | 03/03/06
Member Since: 01/24/06
1331 lifetime posts
Me_office1
Nylon washer and lamp wick (ball string cotton) behind the washer.

Some folks use Teflon on washer BUT it looks sloppy and doesn't compress as well

Billhart

05:43AM | 03/03/06
Member Since: 04/25/05
1918 lifetime posts
In general I when I have a leak it is because I was not careful about getting everything aligned before tightening.

However, the only joint that is constantly under water is the one at the "end" of the trap and that uses a flare and socket molded into the plastic ends.

Inspect those surfaces carefully. I had one with a bit of flashing from the molding that was about as thick as toilet paper and about 1/8" dia and it kept leaking until I found that.


Weekend Warrior

07:06AM | 03/03/06
Member Since: 11/29/02
106 lifetime posts
Forgot to mention these are metal pipes and rubber washers....

Do these suggestions apply to these materials?

Sylvan

10:07AM | 03/03/06
Member Since: 01/24/06
1331 lifetime posts
Me_office1
The flat rubber washers almost always leak.

You are much better off used the beveled nylon type and if possibly lamp wich NOT quick wick behind the washer HAND tight should be enough to make it leak proof.

One more point I never use plastic SJ waste only rough brass or CP brass and I order brass nuts not the standard white metal crap.

For about $2.00 per nut it is well worth knowing I have peace of mind and never less then 17 Ga for the fittings


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