Leaks seem to wait until the most inconvenient moment to spring. It might happen when you are trying to sleep or while you are watching your favorite show. The dripping sound is enough to drive anyone crazy. Drains become more susceptible to leaks as they age. The putty may dry out, the pipes might crack, or the connection might become loose. All of these make leaky drains a possibility. If your drain does leak, do not panic. We have compiled steps you can take to fix the problem.
Disassemble the Drain
In order to fix a leaky drain, you will need to disassemble the unit. Before you stress too much about it, know that it is not that difficult. First, make sure the water is off. Then open the drain with a plumber’s wrench. Try to take off the trap fittings with your hand, though you may need a screwdriver for help.
Use an adjustable pipe wrench to loosen and remove the tail pipe. Take out the plastic retainers as well. Once this is done, you will have effectively disassembled your drain.
Clean the Various Pieces
You will need to thoroughly wash all the parts that you just took out. We suggest putting the pieces in a bucket of warm water and baking soda. This will loosen the dirt and putty that cake the pieces. Clean the parts, paying close attention to the putty. You want to make sure all of it is off, so that it does not interfere with the new putty.
Put the Drain Back Together
Before you begin the reassembly, make sure each part is fully dry. Then, apply plumber’s putty for each connection around the drain pipe. Lower the drain pipe back into the drain and fit them together. Put the traps and tail pipes back together, making sure that all connections are tight. After the drain has been reassembled, turn your water back on. Check to make sure there is no longer any leakage slipping past the pipes.
If you have questions about your leaking drains or need professional help, contact our plumbers at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our team helps homes all throughout Indiana.
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