Sink trap leaking

[GSte]

I've been trying to install my own sink in the upstairs bathroom and I'm having a problem with the compact trap I'm using..... It leaks both from where it attaches to the sink and the waste pipe. I've tried putting about 15 turns of ptfe on each join but while that's helped it doesn't seem to have solved the problem.... I've read not to overtighten the nuts but am not sure how tight too tight is. I've tightened them as much as I can with my hand but not used a spanner. The rubber o-rings look okay and not damaged in any way. Can anyone shed any light on the problem please?

 

[Resolute]

Shouldn't need ptfe on the trap. Is it all aligned correctly and the pipe cut straight?

Got any pics?

 

[mikimac]

My money says it's a chrome trap...they always leak :sweatdrop:

 

[GSte]

No pics as yet but can get some up tomorrow..... It all seems to be aligned pretty well yeah.... the waste pipe that attaches to the bottom of the trap isn't cut perfectly square, though I did have that join so that it wasn't leaking yesterday.... the main problem is where the trap screws onto the sink, I just can't get that one to stop leaking...

 

[dontknowitall]

You're not on your own. I've just had a pig of one too - they're not the best of designs!

Remove the trap and waste and start again.

Put a ring of silicone around the underside of the top of the waste then push it into the hole (with washer if supplied).

Holding waste in situ, begin the remaining process underneath the basin, put a generous ring of silicone around the hole and also on the basin.

Take the washer, and put a ring of silicone on this, then push on to waste.

Take the nut, put a ring of silicone on this then attach nut.

Tighten nut by hand and remove excess silicone.

Tighten more with pump pliers.

Remove remaining excess.

Leave for a good 15 minutes, then put basin over a bucket and test.

Attach basin to wall/unit/pedestal.

The trap usually does not cause problems.

 

[GSte]

Ah.... didn't know if silicone was a good idea or not but if it's okay to use it then I'll do that. The trap is a plastic one by the way.

Thanks for all the advice, I'll report back when I've put it into practice. 🙂

 

[stevetheplumber]

i find silicon allows the rubbers to slip out of position
if its leaking where the trap joins the waste fitting does the spigot partof the trap enter the waste fitting to allow the rubber ring on the trap to butt aginst edge of waste fitting ?if not you need to file down the spigot
to be honest these traps are normly pretty reliable at sealing

 

[WHPES]

Has the washer been nipped?

 

[kay-jay]

if its the connection between the trap and the basin waste try looking at the rubber washer sometimes these are twisted and therefore not seated correctly thus causing leaks. if seated correctly it should not leak