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Down the Drain
Where flex piping is not a great solution.
Several years ago a real estate agent and friend commented, “Oh-no, this sink has a hole in it!”
I had just finished the inspection and felt a momentary panic that I had missed an obvious defect. He was right. There was a hole: A drain in the bottom of the sink by design, not a defect.
This segues into the hole in the bottom of every sink and the maintenance our sinks need. Even the self-ascribed NON-handy-sort will one day have to deal with bathroom and kitchen sink drains.
The little loop at the bottom of the sink is the p-trap. Not because of what it contains but because it resembles a sideways letter “P”. I think the better and more descriptive term “U-Tube” may have caused confusion. You can learn more about p-trap maintenance in one of my earlier articles.
What I want to speak to briefly are the easier, simpler and cheaper bathroom drains that will lead to more frequent issues. The picture above is an example of what I often find under sinks. Here’s what I would encourage as you are performing your drain pipe maintenance, repairs and replacement.
First, avoid using the flex-pipe solution. These pipes are easier to install but they are prone to gunky build-up from the sink drain. Nasty sink scum will collect in the folds and this pipe will need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned frequently. As the piping ages the seams weaken and can leak. Also, they are not very stable and are susceptible to disconnection when impacted by under-cabinet storage. It is hard to gauge what is securely attached and what drain configurations are actually loose and soon-to-leak.
Second, use black plastic-ABS piping. I find it aesthetically pleasing to have less conspicuous black piping. It is also much more durable when hit by the waste basket and cleaning bucket stored nearby.
Third, remember to install a p-trap (u-tube 🙂) that can be disconnected fully for cleaning maintenance. There will be 2-3 lock rings in every configuration that will permit piping to be removed. Wondering how tight these should be? Firm and hand tight.
Fourth, tape and tubs are not solutions. I have seen them both and these short-term fixes easily turn into long term headaches as they are out of sight.
Tip: One of my sophisticated inspection tests is the Under Sink Leak Test. Part 1: I survey the cabinet floor for puddles. Part 2: I ensure my hands are completely dry (this is not a hard thing for me to do since overly dry hands are chronic for home inspectors). Then reach under the sink and run my hands gently over the drain and piping components. I can confirm no leaks overly dry hands and no moisture spots.
