FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Plumbing 101: P-traps etc.

Wayfarer | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 25, 2004 04:47am

I’ve done “some” finish plumbing in the past i.e. hook ups of the waste to sinks etc.  I remember, however, the last little bit of work I did for my sister and her husband was a double sink with disposal.  I seemed to have an inordinate amount of leaking on those “white” finish plumbing kits which include P-trap et al.  Part of the problem I discovered was that the waste height was a little too high, and coupled with the deep sink depth, I don’t think I was getting a proper flow.  I lowered the waste height and things seemed to improve, but I think my brother in law ended reworking a lot of the plumbing from waste to sink.

I’m wondering, given that those sink kits are kinda flimsy, are more of the pro’s or weekend warriors like me going to more ABS fittings till the absolute necessity of using the “white” flimsy pipe right out of the sink?

I ask this because I was in the Big Box today and there seemed to be a lot more ABS P-trap-type fittings with that transition coupling for the white piece (perhaps incorrect nomenclature) of pipe than I remember in the past.  My thought for my house project (am installing cabinets now so some finish plumbing will be in order soon) is go with ABS and solvent weld connections till the four or five inches of white pipe comes out of the sink.  There was a couple fittings; one with a small, threaded clean-out at the bottom of the U part of the P-trap that you basically create yourself with fittings.

I hope this is making some sense?  Thanks in advance…

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. MojoMan | Jan 25, 2004 04:56am | #1

    Around here, there's more white PVC than black ABS, but, yes, the pros tend to use the heavier, glued stuff right up to the point the tailpiece from the sink goes in. You have to plan carefully and be sure everything fits before gluing, because you don't get a second chance, but once done, things are much less likely to leak or come apart.

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jan 25, 2004 04:59am | #2

      And forget about opening it up to get out the diamond ring<G>

  2. USAnigel | Jan 25, 2004 05:21am | #3

    Most leaks from these cast plastic fitting come from the slight ridge left by the two mold halfs. Scrape this ridge off carefully and you should be ok. Note in these kits there is a strange divided "tee" which clogs real easy! Try to find an open or directional "tee" to use.

    1. rasconc | Jan 25, 2004 10:29pm | #4

      Ditto the ridge, after carefully removing it I often use a smear of White Seal or other type thread seal/pipedope on the compression washer and threads of the slip joint nuts. 

      1. User avater
        Wayfarer | Jan 25, 2004 10:45pm | #5

        Thanks gents for the help.  I think I will probably go along the lines of what mojo is suggesting, especially in the kitchen sink with the two drains.

        And like I wrote above, there does seem to be a "new" ABS P-trap that transitions from 1 1/2" to 1 1/4" (or the size of the tail pipe).  This particular P-trap does come apart for that ring and contact lens issue(s). ;-)  And yeah, lining up does have to be fairly exact as the tail pipe will drop down to that "fixed" ABS P-trap.

        The kitchen sink will involve so much more pipe than a bath one, I think I may try to build up with ABS as best I can before going in with the tail pipe(s).

        I don't know that the Big Boxes are too terribly innovative, it just seemed like there were some "new" type ABS fittings that I hadn't really noticed before and was wondering where the industry was going; they've probably been around for ages and only just got to the Big Boxes recently.

        1. User avater
          BillHartmann | Jan 25, 2004 11:57pm | #6

          If you don't want the flimsy plastic pieces you can also go with the tried and true chrome plated brass.

          Just don't send me the bill.

          1. User avater
            Wayfarer | Jan 26, 2004 07:27am | #7

            Bill, good point; I will undoubtedly use chrome plated ones on the two pedastal sinks in the masterbedroom.  Everything else will be housed within cabinets that will probably fill up with junk so won't worry about that...

          2. DaveRicheson | Jan 26, 2004 01:10pm | #8

            Or go to a real plumbing supply and get everything in schedule 40 PVC. More expensive than the flimsy prepackaged stuff, but less than the chrome plated brass.

            Dave

  3. Remodeler | Jan 26, 2004 07:41pm | #9

    Junk white crap $3/fixture

    Chromed brass $15/fixture

    Junk white crap call-back 1 hr driving 30 mins fixing $3 more in parts

    Chromed brass no call-back

    what's your time worth?

    remodeler

  4. steve | Jan 27, 2004 07:17am | #10

    i never use those prepackaged kits, way too many flimsy compression type fittings

    i always use the brass "tail pieces" adaptors and then glued abs pipe and fittings

    very rarely have a call back

    caulking is not a piece of trim

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data