The bathroom sink is not just functional but also aesthetical part of your bathroom. It provides you with additional storage space, especially a vanity sink, and also adds a visual appeal to your bathroom décor.
That’s why many home owners want to add modern and stylish bathroom sinks that can lend a fresh look to a dated bathroom. Fortunately, you can find several sink designs available for a wide range of budgets in the market.
Even if you don’t want to add a new sink for better looks, you will still need to repair or replace a few of its parts from time to time. So, you need to think about, at the least, bathroom sink plumbing basics.
A. Is Bathroom Sink Plumbing in Big Bear Easy?
While it is always better to call a professional Big Bear plumber, there are a few bathroom sink plumbing issues that you can handle on your own. Although this part of sink plumbing is not as difficult as the rough-in plumbing that goes behind your bathroom walls, it still requires careful planning.
So, you will need to have the required parts and plumbing tools ready. Make sure to get the necessary safety gear like gloves and glasses if needed. You should also know how to use the tools. Make sure to turn off the main water supply to your bathroom before starting your work.
Remember, you can’t take care of all plumbing issues yourself. So, feel free to pick up your phone, and search for “plumber near me” or get in touch with your go-to plumber directly for professional help.
B. What Parts Do You Need for Bathroom Sink Plumbing?
As mentioned earlier, bathroom sinks have different parts, that need to be replaced or repaired after a while. They include the following.
1. Supply Tubes or Pipes
Usually made from braided plastic or wire mesh or plain chromed copper pipe, these tubes connect the tail ends of both faucets to the shut-off valves. You can buy these tubes in pairs, and easily replace them if you find any damage or leaks.
Start by turning off the shut-off valves. Then, unscrew old tubes, clean the joints. Screw new ones, and turn on the water supply to check for leaks. Just make sure to buy the new tubes that are similar to the ones you want to replace.
2. P-Trap
The curved section of pipe you see under the bathroom sink is the P-trap. It comprises a u-shaped bend connected to a straight arm. The primary function of the P-trap is to prevent the sewerage gases from coming out of your sink drain by holding standing water inside.
This part is prone to leaks over time, particularly at the joints. You can use plumber’s putty or tape to seal minor leaks or cracks. However, if the issue persists, you need to replace the entire P-trap. You can get a new P-trap kit in any hardware store.
After you have turned off the main water supply, carefully remove the damaged P-trap by unscrewing couplings from both ends. You will need to use an adjustable pipe wrench. Drain the water from the pipes, and connect the new P-trap firmly. Make sure to check the assembly for leaks.
3. Drain Pipe
This pipe connects the P-trap to the main drainage line. It can last long. However, if you have a plastic or PVC drain pipe, it can develop cracks over time. The connections are mostly made using a slip-nut joint.
If you want to replace this pipe, turn off the water supply. Unscrew the slip-nut joints to remove the old pipe. Drain the excess water from the P-trap and connect the new drain pipe. Check the connections for leaks.
4. Faucets or Sink Taps
Faucets work as the water outlet. Most bathroom sinks have two faucets, one with a hot water and other with a cold-water supply. As sink faucets are made from metals or metal alloys, they are less likely to break or develop cracks. However, corrosion can result in rusty or sticky faucets over time.
If you have a rusty or sticky faucet, you can replace it with a new one. Before changing them, turn off the shut-off valves. You can unscrew the old faucets using an adjustable pipe wrench.
If the faucet is too corroded, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it. Try removing it using a wrench a few minutes after squirting the oil. You can also tap the joint gently with a hammer to loosen it quickly. Be careful though, if you use force to remove a sticky faucet, it can damage the porcelain basin. You can always call a Big Bear plumber if necessary
5. Shut-Off Valves
These valves, available in pairs (hot and cold-water supply), connect the main water supply coming from the rough-in plumbing to the supply tubes. These valves allow you to turn off the water supply to the bathroom sink without having to switch off the main supply.
Shut-off valves are quite sturdy. However, corrosion and mineral deposition can result in rusty or sticky shut-off valves. They can also develop leaks over time. As you don’t have to solder these valves, they are easy to replace.
Make sure to turn off the main water supply first. To loosen and remove the old valves, you may need to use an adjustable pipe wrench and penetrating oil. Simply unscrew old valves, replace them with new ones, and check your connections for leaks.
6. Drain
Most bathroom sinks have pop-up drains that you can buy as a separate kit. A typical sink drain comprises a strainer and a tail pipe. The strainer is a metal piece with or without a mesh or a crossbar. If the mesh is present, it prevents small objects from getting into the drain.
The tailpiece is a straight pipe that connects the drain to the P-trap. In a pop-up assembly, however, the tail pipe comes with a threaded opening for stopper’s pivot rod. While you may not have to remove the drain itself in most cases, the tail pipe is prone to corrosion over time, requiring replacement.
Most sinks also develop leaks around the plastic or rubber ring in the drain. You can fix such leaks by scrapping of old silicone bead and replacing it with a fresh and generous coat of silicone. You can also replace the ring if it the damage is extensive. However, if you can’t identify the problem yourself, you should call a Big Bear plumber for assistance.
Conclusion
Although plumbing a bathroom sink is not as challenging as rough-in plumbing, it does require you to have a certain level of plumbing knowledge and skills. If you have the skills, these tips can help you do the basic repairs or replacements on your own. It is, however, always better to call a professional when in doubt.
Call an Experienced Big Bear Plumber Now!
Whether you want to install a new bathroom sink or repair the old one, we are here to help you. Big Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating is your best option for reasonable and professional plumbing service that is available 24 hours for any plumbing and HVAC emergencies. Call us on (909) 584-4376 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing Installation
