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ABS P Trap Leaking

Flips | Posted in General Discussion on December 8, 2009 03:15am

I recently installed a new vanity and sink and replaced the ABS drain at the the same time. 

The new ABS p trap is leaking a little bit at the threads where the two pieces of the trap join.  The threads are not cross threaded and the the clear plastic washer is in place.  I have done a little research online and found suggestions for sealing the threads with teflon tape, pipe dope or even using some wax from a toilet wax ring. 

I’m just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if they did, what did they to fix the leak.

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  1. BoJangles | Dec 08, 2009 03:33am | #1

    The two pieces are probably out of alignment.  Try some pipe dope on the tapered connection and the threads.  Be sure you don't over tighten the connection.

  2. DanH | Dec 08, 2009 04:19am | #2

    Yeah, I would guess that the pieces are out of alignment. Don't expect the threads to pull misaligned pieces together -- get them aligned properly in the first place. Remember, you're not sealing with the threads, you're sealing by compressing the two pieces together.

    And any sort of lubricant on the pieces (and threads) will help things go together more smoothly.

    A society that presumes a norm of violence and celebrates aggression, whether in the subway, on the football field, or in the conduct of its business, cannot help making celebrities of the people who would destroy it.  --Lewis H. Lapham
  3. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Dec 08, 2009 05:19am | #3

    I just went through this after replacing three counters/sinks at my own house.  I changed out the trap on one of them three times using three different type of traps: PVC, cheap slip joint, and finally chrome/brass with rubber gaskets at the trap joint.  The rubber gasket at the joint sealed the deal; no more leaks.  The trap does cost about 3-4 times more ($18 vs $5).  But when I replumbed the drain on the second vanity, I went straight for the chrome trap, and no leaks at all.

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

  4. wane | Dec 14, 2009 12:47pm | #4

    Most of the big box stores don't carry the old style p-trap anymore (or soon won't) the new ones are more of a ball & socket type of joint, this eases any misalignment .. check them out!

  5. philodog | Nov 21, 2011 02:16pm | #5

    I have had this problem several times with new ABS p traps. I tried tape on the threads, pipe dope, severe tightening and what finally worked was Teflon tape not on the threads but on the cone shaped part that fits in the groove. I`ve learned that is where the sealing occurs, not at the threads. What a relief when it finally stopped leaking.

    1. jkrew | Nov 26, 2011 10:20pm | #6

      I use automotive gasket silicone on each joint, no problem.

    2. Scott | Nov 27, 2011 09:36pm | #7

      Yeah to what Phil and Dan said. ABS traps need good alignment. If there is much lateral stress on the mating surfaces you're asking for trouble.

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