I took apart an old but good conditionstainless steel P trap, despite gaskets+pipe dope, it still leaks.Ideas?

Question

I attempted to use the old gaskets and pipe dope to seal the threads, but the dang thing still leaks. Do you need to replace all gaskets every time you take apart a plumbed line? Do I need to use plumbers putty instead of pipe dope? any help would be excellent!

Answer 1

What appears to be a "good" P-trap may have been ruined by overtightening, which it sounds like in this case. Once the fitting has been overtightened, no amount of pipe dope, sealers, or fresh gaskets will fix it. Generally speaking, traps need only be hand tight plus a quarter-turn.

I agree with the PVC replacement solution. Cheap, and very long lived.

Answer 2

You have it pretty well figured out, new gaskets will usually take care of it. Pipe dope if the gaskets fail.
But better yet while you have it apart, go buy a new plastic P trap it will come with new gaskets, and will not rust out. If you think it off set too far or too close, they also make (which I have used several times) a flexible pipe that will bend around and make lining up a lot easier. I was in a house last month that I installed one of each in 1990 and still trouble free.

Answer 3

If the washer have not been broken up to this point from the intial installation, then I would replace the washer. if it still leaks you may have a hole or crack in the steel trap and I would replace with a plastic one, very inexpensive fix.

Answer 4

Fernco makes a trap adapter that will convert from your drain to your trap arm, go with the PVC, all good answers.

Answer 5

New gaskets would help. The used ones could be flattened or damaged somewhere that you haven't noticed yet.

Answer 6

Change the whole thing to pvc trap, It is cheap and easy

Answer 7

you need new gaskets but dont use any putty or other sealants...

Answer 8

Yes and Yes.