Need help with kitchen sink disaster.

[distraught22]

I noticed a small pole of water leaking from under my cabinet today. I opened it up only to see giant puddles of black water everywhere. My pipe had burst and it was a huge mess.






So I go down to the hardware store to get some parts, and they gave me a P-Trap (I think I'm saying that right, the pipe that looks like a backwards J), a wrench, and some putty. I go home and attempt to install the new P-trap. The left hand bolts come off fine, but when I go to remove the right hand ones, EVERYTHING CRUMBLES!




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I couldn't believe what happened, I didn't mean to make things worse. Now the pipe that was connecting to it is totally destroyed as well and I don't know what to do. I am terrified and I don't want to live like this. What do I have to do? Please help me.

 

[Cwhyu2]

You need to remove the trap arm from the pipe in the wall, then put a trap adapter on the on the theaded pipe.Then install new trap arm and P-trap.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[distraught22]

I keep trying to get a grip on that nut with my wrench but it won't stay on.
It keeps slipping and shaking.

I've never done this before and I'm afraid if I apply too much pressure it'll make things even worse.

 

[Redwood]

Nope just grab on to it and bust it loose.

There isn't anything there that will break unless it already needed replacing...

I usually just use a pair of channel lock pliers...

 

[hj]

You would have the part you need to replace if the hardware store had sold you a "complete" P trap instead of just the ""U" bend. If you damage the slip nut on the pipe from the wall, use one from the old P trap to replace it. You will need a new gasket/washer, however. Either take your J bend back and get a P trap, or buy a "wall bend" to replace the broken one.

 

[Gary Swart]

And return the plumbers putty while you are there.

 

[Redwood]

And return the plumbers putty while you are there.

Unless you are replacing the basket strainer, that is the only place you would use it in the kitchen.

 

[Gary Swart]

I should have added to my advice about returning the putty, that you don't need Teflon tape or any other sealant on slip joint fittings. Assemble hand tight then a little more with channel lock pliers or a small pipe wrench. Don't over do it. If you don't get them quite tight enough, then a little more tightening will stop a small drip.