vanity replacement problems

Aunt Brandy

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We had to replace vanity. New vanity has less width, but without knowing gave more space to sit on toilet. Now, the drain pipes below are 2" off sideways. The guy put it together but leaks when in use. The plastic pipes were barely holding together because of the off connections. I put in a flexible extended plastic pipe but it leaked, too. I replaced plastic pipes with metal pipes but because of the off setting it still leaks. The J is too narrow.
A long 45 degree angle elbow could work but can't find. Please help. Thanks for yr help.
 
P traps can be rotated to make corrections in alignment. Most vanity basins use a 1-1/4" trap, but it's possible that it is an 1-1/2" drain line and would require bushing to reduce to 1-1/4". This sounds like just a matter of getting the trap pieces in the proper alignment. :)
 
Loosen all of the compression ring fittings and properly align the pipes. Make sure that the flat side of the beveled plastic washers is toward the pipe, not the fitting, if you use the PVC. If you use the rubber washers with metal drain pipe, it doesn't matter which way the washers go (flat on both sides). Smear a thin bit of clear silicone caulk on the threads of the rings and that should seal them and allow you to take them apart easily later.
PVC drain pipes and traps are made to seal by hand-tightening, but metal needs channel-locks or a wrench.
Good Luck!
Mike
 
Ditto what Mike said, but if it's metal, don't interpet what he said about using a wrench to mean it has to be tightened like a pipe that is under pressure. Just snug it up. Hand tight plus maybe 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Remember, there's no pressure in a drain. If you don't get it tight enough at first and it drips, then gently apply a bit more tightening, just enough to stop it.
 
The big box stores sell the lite plastic drain 45s that will fix your problem. Try the nearest L*w*s. I know they have them.
 
Gary's right. I should have mentioned that you only snug those chromed brass metal drain line slip nuts up about a quarter-turn (after hand-tightening) to seal them. If you overtighten them, it sometimes distorts the rubber washers and they'll leak. PVC slip nuts just need hand-tightening to seal, if they're properly aligned.
Mike
 
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