How to fix leaking plumbing in bathroom after cleaning pipes?

[libcfixit]

  

Hi,

I recently cleaned my out my bathroom plumbing as there was a groose smell coming from it. There was alot of black gunk that I removed which I think was causing the issue I think in the U bend/in the sink. I washed and cleaned all areas. I also used bicarb, vinegar and a formula for cleaning drains. Nothing seemed to stop it, until I opened up the plumbing and realised why, black smelly build up.

My issue is since putting the pipes back they keep leaking. I read that you may need to replace the washers and gasket. I went to Bunnings and got new washers which seemed to have worked in some parts.

There are no leaks coming from the tail piece, to the U bend (these are both new and seemed to have a good seal. I noticed the leak coming from the last join that (where my finger is pointing in the picture). I wasn't able to replace this in the pack I bought (40mm) as it needs to be slightly bigger, I am guessing 50mm.

Do you think replacing it will help the leak stop? Is there any tips in what gasket/washer to buy for this back join (finger pointing) to help stop with the leak. I seemed to have sorted the U bend leak which was initially the main issue. Any tips videos on what order to put the pipes back together. Last question! How to place the gasket on the pipe, which ways best! There is the picture of the pack i used 40mm.

Thanks.

 

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @libcfixit 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your "S" trap.

I've placed an image below of a similar Holman trap. The end or bottom pointing bit of the trap is called a compression fitting. it is composed of three parts the outside screw on cover, a plastic thin O ring and the compression O ring. It must be installed in this order as you see on the image. The rubber O ring must not travel too far into the pipe body of the trap otherwise it will not sit straight inside the pipe and will provide a poor seal.   

The rubber O ring when installed on the pipe must be as straight as possible (you don't need a bigger one). When you start to screw the outside screw on cover it will drag the rubber O ring upwards making it meet up with the edge of the trap. This is critical as this is where the compression action will begin. If it is too high the compression will not happen properly. If it is too low the O ring will slip outside the cover failing to provide a proper seal. Once you have it properly seated turn firmly but not overly tight.

Please give it one more try and take your time with the O ring seal.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[libcfixit]

Great, thanks so much for this detailed reply. I am going back to Bunnings today as I need to get another fitting for the other sink. Is there any replacement fittings with the 4 parts (o rings) that you sell? As the other one i bought only had 3 bits

[MitchellMc]

Hi @libcfixit,

The kits will include the three rubber washers. The fourth piece in the image above is a white plastic ring that compresses the rubber washer. This ring is considered part of the trap assembly and typically not sold separately. If your current trap has one, you should be able to reuse it, as it doesn't break down like rubber washers do.

Mitchell

[libcfixit]

Thanks this was really helpful. Its all back together with no leaks. I have noticed the smell has significantly improved. However, there is still a smell, does this improve or is there anything I can do? I put vinegar down after replacing it still seems to be a bit smell 

[JacobZ]

Hi @libcfixit,

Traps require a small amount of standing water to operate as intended. This water forms a seal that prevents sewer gases from travelling back up through the drain and into the room, while still allowing wastewater to flow out.

Considering you've cleared the decomposed material, I'd suggest you run the tap so there is water in the trap, then give it a couple of days before reevaluating.

If you are still having issues, come back to us, and we can assist further.

Jacob

[libcfixit]

Hi, 

Unfortunately my leak has come back! The leak seems to be coming at the back where the compression O goes. I wonder if I need to replace this part of the pipe? As it doesnt seem to be catching as well as the other parts and also the sewage pipe I am putting it on isnt even, could this be impacting the compression? 

I am still confused on the order, do you put the compression part on first?

Thanks 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @libcfixit,

The S-bend looks relatively new, so I don't think anything needs to be replaced. I suspect you might not have put the sealing ring or parts on in the right orientation. Can you loosen the nut and drop it down? Then show us the order of the sealing ring or plastic ring that you have on that area? It should look something like the image below.

You would put the nut on the lower pipe, then the plastic compression ring on the lower pipe (you need to orient it so the flat side goes downwards and the tapered side towards the rubber seal above, then the rubber seal. You then position the s-bend pipe onto of the drainage pipe and push the rubber ring back up so it sits neatly against the s-bend pipe, but still sitting on the lower pipe. Next, do up the nut.

Please be aware that any connections to plumbing pipe should be done by a plumber, so if you continue to have issues, I suggest contacting one to finalise the installation.

Mitchell

[libcfixit]

This is what it looks like, I turned the compression O the other way as it wasn't correct and follow the instructions kept the compression O on the bottom pipe. It still leaked! Am I missing a rubber seal? 

 

[EricL]

Hello @libcfixit 

I can only suggest giving it another try. But this time bring the O ring close to the end of the trap so that it doesn't have to travel very far when you start to screw the outside crew on, make sure its nice and level. Once everything is re-attached test the drain by filling the tub with water and releasing the plug.

Eric