Does anyone know how to remove pvc piping from under a sink to replace it? Do you have to cut it?

Question

There is a clog in the P joint and as I was trying to locate the clog, I realized all the joints were leaking. Didn't really want to cut off the pieces...wondering if there was an easier way.

Do not know the age of the plumbing...there is only one threaded coupling and the rest of the joints are simply glued. I tried to use a snake but figured I would be better off to just change out the pvc piping and not have to deal with it again. I live in NY and have only lived in this house for two years. The first piece of pvc that should connect to the trap was not connected...they just put the pvc over a metal pipe as a drain. Thinking I should start from the trap and work my way down past the P joint...any more suggestions?

Answer 1

If it is a kitchen sink the pipe should be one and a half inch pipe coming out of the wall. Simply cut the pipe after the p trap. Get some glue and primer and 1 1/2" male adapter. Prime pipe and fitting,then glue both and push the fitting on to the pipe. Once you have the male adapter on you can use a tubular p.v.c. trap,tailpiece,waste arm etc. The nut and poly washer will fit the male adapter/or trap adapter which is just a shorter male adapter. Your local hardware should have how to books to walk you through the installation of the trap and drains under your sink. It would take me for ever to try to illustrate how every nut and poly washer and tailpiece washer fits on. The book should have pictures to walk you through it.

Answer 2

I've done this repair often. Certainly you can cut the pipe but there is a tool made specifically for "cutting" in very tight areas. Any Home store, hardware store or plumbing supply will carry it.

You don't state the nature of the rest of the plumbing beyond the P trap. Are there threaded couplings attaching the P trap to the down drain, and then to the exit pipe? There should be.

By Joints,,,do you mean at the threaded couplings? Or if the plumbing has all been "glued" with PVC cement, is that what you mean?

It may be that all you have to replace is the P trap with new fitting hardware. Kits are sold that include the flanges and washers to accomplish the task.

You don't state where you are, the age of the plumbing, etc,,, I'll be happy top add more detail, if you will.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

You should be able to replace the whole under sink plumbing with new PVC for less than $20. You can easily do it yourself and requires no tools to put in. Getting out is usually harder. I have had to cut them out before but it is not difficult to do. Tell hardware store rep if you have a double sink, garbage disposal, and if your exit pipe is in the wall or floor. Very easy fix.

Answer 4

Cut the couplings with a hacksaw parallel with the pipe. Be careful not to cut into the pipe Use a medium sized flat screwdriver to pry the coupling off the pipe. You can keep all the pipe you have cut already and reuse it. Everyone is always amazed when I do it at work. Don't forget to clean it with purple primer before reglueing

Answer 5

From your description it sounds as if someone just slapped it together. If it leaks from the joints, my guess is that they never glued the pieces together, just fit them together. You might get lucky and try to take them apart without cutting them-- if you can't it's not a big deal to cut them off and do it the right way.

Answer 6

if they dont unscrew(which seems unlikly since all the joints are leaking) then you would cut them....plumbing is never a good do it yourself project, if in doubt, call a professional

Answer 7

unscrew them and use plumbing tape to seal it back up

Answer 8

Sorry, no easier way, will have to be cut.

Answer 9

YES YOU HAVE TO CUT IT.