I recently removed the old vanity in my powder room to paint and wallpaper and now want to replace with a new more modern console sink that will show the ptrap below. My contractor removed the old vanity and ptrap for me but is too busy to come back to install new one now. I bought a modern looking bottle trap and a more traditional ptrap when that didn’t seem to fit. The pipe coming out of the wall looks like it has an adapter on it and the ptrap has a box flange I want to use to hide the messy installation that was done, but the pipe sticks out too far. Any ideas how to get the adapter off? It seems glued on and I don’t know much about plumbing. Ive included some images. Thank you for any help!
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/04/29113159/BUILDING-SCIENCE-SYMPOSIUM-1-Large-thumb-16x9.jpeg)
Check out the lineup for the 2024 Building Science Symposium featuring experts like Steve Baczek, Dr. Joe Lstiburek, and more.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailHighlights
"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.
Replies
I would reconsider your desire to remove the coupling. Looks like the adapter is glued onto the pipe. the way to remove it would be to cut the pipe off, but you then loose the length of the pipe inside the adapter.
Looks like the pipe is sealed into place, which would complicate such removal.
You could make a big hole in the wall and see how much pipe you have to work with, and perhaps cut the drain pipe further back to make room for replacements that leave a clean edge for the adapter at the right distance from the wall surface, and then repair the wall. (not the easiest way, for sure)
I would think that after the new sink is installed, the only time you will see the details of the wall penetration is when you are cleaning the floor behind the new sink.
https://youtu.be/2befOMjA3ho?t=67
The flange would be slipped on the pipe that goes into the wall before inserting into the threaded fitting and seal and then place into your existing drain line.
You can also shop for a deeper flange, or work on smoothing out the caulk/sealant around the pipe to improve the looks. Some black paint or plastic tape might be all you really need once the flange is slipped over the fittings.
The video above shows how the P trap fits into the threaded connection.
You are likely going to need a way to cut the P trap parts to fit the sink installation.
There also is no shame in calling a plumber in to finish the job. They will charge you, but it should be done right to avoid leaks of water and sewer gas.
Thank you for you advice. I would definitely prefer a plumber to help me, but can’t seem to find one who isn’t extremely busy at the moment.
Maybe if I just clean it all up and paint it to match the walls you are right, you won’t see it as it will be beneath the sink console. Thank you again!
Look for one of the rooter guys, most of them are also decent plumbers for those small jobs the big guys don't want.
To remove a fitting from plastic dwv make a number of cuts parallel to the pipe through the fitting but not into the pipe. The pieces of the fitting will break off cleanly with a screwdriver. The pipe can then be sanded clean. I do this a lot.
Build it out with another flange or something else (another flange/ painted black wood etc.) Looks like your only missing with your box flange by a little.