Installing bathroom sink drain – get it done today!
You probably haven’t given much thought to your bathroom sink drain. It’s just one of those things that’s concealed and serves its purpose without attracting much attention. And then someday it happens – your drain leaks or breaks and requires your immediate reaction. Although plumbing work is not the most glamorous part of remodelling or renovation, it is absolutely necessary to keep your home comfortable and safe. Installing a bathroom sink drain is a laborious task for a newbie, so if you have never touched a pipe in your life, take note of the following tips:
- always pre-test, measure and make cuts before final installation;
- gaskets and slip washers are always installed so that the bevel faces the connecting seam (or the joint between the two ends);
- handle old metal or chrome pipes the same way as you would handle PVC; the only difference is the material they are made of.
The whole installation process consists of the following stages:
- Lay the rolled-out putty around the bottom side of the sink flange; install the flange in the sink hole; press tightly into place;
- If this is not yet done for you, reassemble the pop-up housing by putting the retaining nut and flat washer on the threads; put on the rubber gasket – the tapered end of the gasket should face up;
- Install the trap adapter. While installing sink drain plumbing, you usually find a piece of pipe sticking out of the wall. To connect the P-trap, you will need a siphon adapter;
- Set the P-trap. Start by connecting the pipes – it’s important to pay attention to the orientation of the washer when using contact connections: make sure the tapered side is facing the direction of what you’re trying to connect to; then connect the drain to the wall; insert the pipe into the wall and screw it to the adapter;
- Finally, add the U-pipe and connect the contact nuts at each end.
- Check for leaks.
Most sinks will work with this basic process. However, there may be some minor variations for special needs or design. In both cases, when it comes to plumbing, it is best to turn to professionals to avoid unnecessary mess and save time.
Regarding the sink drain installation, Superior Plumbing & Heating has your back! You can fully rely on our licensed professionals to ensure that the installation job will stand the test of time. We deliver the service quickly and at a competitive price, paying special attention to every detail.
Replacing a sink drain pipe – easier than it sounds when it comes to installing a bathroom sink drain!
Plumbing is probably what many householders are most afraid of. Drain pipes below and linking to the sink can become rusted, broken, or just damaged and require replacement. To replace bathroom sink drain, you need to possess a special set of tools and make some preparation.
The whole replacement process implies a set of nuances.
- Connection replacement. The sink P-trap is joined to the sewer in the wall by a short horizontal drain pipe. Over time these pipes become holey and start leaking, particularly if the pipe is made of copper or galvanized steel. These horizontal drain pipes can sometimes be unscrewed from the fitting in the wall and replaced with a PVC threaded adapter, which can be twisted into the steel fitting, glued onto the PVC pipe and connected to the sink trap.
- Replacing the pipe. Pipes can rust and break inside the wall. When this occurs, the wall can be opened up, and the leaking part of the pipe can be removed to insert a new piece. It’s usually the easiest and most time-efficient to connect plastic PVC pipes, even if the existing pipes are metal. PVC can be joined to metal pipes using transition fittings.
- The entire drain pipe replacement. It can be necessary to replace the entire drain pipe from the sink to the main drain pipe in the house. This can be done in at least two major ways. First, you can open up the wall, remove the old pipe and replace it with a PVC pipe. Alternatively, the old drain pipe can be left in the wall and the new drain routed through the floor under the sink. If the drain is abandoned, all vent pipes and drain connections must be redirected to another drain and sealed securely.
We are standing by to help you with this sophisticated task, turning it into just a quick fix with the right remedies and tools! We will remove and dispose of the old drain pipes regardless of the job complexity and then install, seal and connect the new ones with ease. Because we treat your property like it”s ours, we will never cause damage or leave a mess behind!
Sink drain types and installation specs – short and sweet
With advances in technology, your sink can look and work the way you like it. Each type of sink requires a specific drain, such as a grid drain, a pop-up drain, a lift-and-turn type or the traditional sink stopper.
- Pop-up sink drains are primarily used for hand and face washing. They are made without overflow protection, letting you fill the sink entirely. For this reason, flowing water should not be left unattended. The pop-up drains of newer models open and close by simply touching the drain.
- Grid Drains are designed for vessel sinks. A vessel is a traditional bowl-shaped sink found in most homes. They do not open or close but allow water to flow continuously without fear of overflow.
- Lift-and-turn drains are versatile. They can be applied to a variety of sinks, including recessed, lowered, and vessel sinks, as well as sinks without overflows. They rise to drain water and pivot to hold it in place. The lift-and-turn drain is easily installed. It can be removed or inserted with only a flathead screwdriver.
- Sink drain stoppers are designed for sinks with no overflow. They were developed so that you can fill the sink with water to wash your face, hands or clothes. Drain plugs come in a variety of sizes and designs. The most important aspect to keep in mind when buying a plug is the size of the drain you want to install.
Connecting your bathroom sink drain pipe to your home’s plumbing is a rather straightforward project, provided you have plumbing and other required skills. No matter what type of sink you choose, drain and plumbing connections are usually installed this way:
- Tighten the female threaded adapter on the drain connection at the wall;
- Put the coupling nuts on the drain bracket and the tail end of the sink and tighten the connection at the base of the sink;
- Reinstall the P-trap and hand-tighten the coupling nuts. Connect the flexible water supply pipes to the faucet shanks and bring them to the shutoff valves;
- Tighten the cap nuts with an adjustable wrench. Remove the faucet aerator and turn on the water;
- Examine the shutoff valves and pipe connections for leaks, and then turn on the faucet to check the drain assembly for tightness. Replace the aerator, and you’re all set!
Whether you require guidance while choosing a proper drain, we recommend seeking help from our professional team! We believe that quality work and customer-friendly service go hand in hand. Not only are our specialists skilled to perform any plumbing task with professional precision and efficiency, but they are also trained to handle the job with the highest level of professional care and courtesy. We know precisely how to install your sink drain pipe, so your sink plumbing needs will be covered in a blink of an eye!
P-trap reconnection – ordinary issues and solutions
If you look under the sink, you will find a P-shaped pipe connected to the wall. The official name for this pipe is P-trap. It plays an essential role in how the sink drains water. The bend of the siphon is curved so that it traps a small amount of water as it drains into the sink drain. The retained water creates a seal that prevents sewer gasses from entering the house.
Common problems with old P-traps are loose joints and corrosion. If the connections between the trap and the sewer pipe are loose and cannot be repaired by tightening the nuts, you will have to install a new trap assembly. To help you make the reconnection go smoother, we’ve made a list of steps to follow:
- Place a bucket under the sink to avoid spilling the liquid on the floor and remove the curved P-trap;
- Disconnect the old trap bracket and install a new one;
- Connect the new trap bracket to the drain and align it;
- Fasten the coupling nuts;
- Tighten the trap fittings and test the drain.
For qualified help with a loosened or cracked P-trap pipe, contact Superior Plumbing & Heating. We are a team of specially trained, certified and insured plumbers who can fix, install or upgrade any kind of plumbing issue. When it comes to emergencies, we are on tiptoes 24/7. Not only will we reconnect the P-trap, but also instruct you on proper plumbing maintenance and provide a comprehensive warranty on our work.
Unclogging bathroom sink drain – remedies and tips!
Bathrooms are notorious for causing small problems that can drive you crazy. Pipes under the bathroom sink are exposed to a daily barrage of greasy, oily substances, from soaps and lotions to cosmetics and toothpaste, which can harden as they cool. Over time, these oily, greasy deposits accumulate, reducing drainability and eventually causing clogs that can lead to corroded pipes.
The best solution is to prevent the clog rather than deal with its unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent the clogs and clean bathroom sink drain:
- As a preventive measure, start with cleaning the countertop and sink. Remove debris from the drain weekly. Take off opening plugs or drain guards and discard any debris that has accumulated;
- To clear a clog, use a drain snake, which can be purchased at any local hardware store, to remove hair and other debris from the trap under the sink drain. Avoiding debris from getting further down the pipe is a great way to prevent your bathroom sink drain from clogging;
- Applying a biodegradable, non-aggressive pipe cleaner once a month will keep your sink drain clear. Hydrogen peroxide is an affordable, non-aggressive option that can be poured directly into your bathroom sink drain.
- You may also consider using natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, salt or lemon juice if the clog is not severe.
A clogged drain can cause more serious structural damage in your home than you might think. It can be tempting to eliminate the clog yourself, but rather than googling “How to clean a bathroom sink drain,” get help or advice from a professional plumbing service like Superior Plumbing & Heating. Our specialists are qualified to tackle clogs of any severity. Moreover, our professional plumbers can offer regular maintenance to protect your home from future plumbing problems! Doesn’t that sound great?