Sink Drain Leak

[SSBN608]

The 1 1/2" elbow developed a drip over the last few days, small drip, took a while to notice. I checked before disassembling and it was tight on both ends but still dripped.
Took it apart and applied some very heavy vaseline type product (bag balm) as that's all I could think of. Stopped the leak at least temporarily.
Anybody else have a similar problem? Any ideas?

[Marc]

Yes I had the exact same thing happen on the trap under my sink. Mine tightened up a bit though, I haven't used it since but will have to keep an eye on it.

[3'senough]

You can buy the expanding washers in any HW or BB store to reseal them. A lot of times the road conditions loosen them or the washer wears out and you need to put a new one in. You want one that is v shaped so when you screw down, it will expand and choke the pipe.

The other option is put a new P trap on it. That vaseline will eventually give way to a drip.

[SSBN608]

Ah. Thanks, I wondered if there was a washer I could put in.
Thanks!

[troutslayer]

I believe it is one of the cone shaped washer that can be purchased at any hardware or big box store. You may also put a little plumbers putty on the threads (I think that connection is threaded).

[rick danger]

When I was a plumber I always did a couple of wraps of teflon tape around the washers .

[us71na]

Originally Posted by SSBN608

Ah. Thanks, I wondered if there was a washer I could put in.
Thanks!

There should be a compression washer in it. If there is no washer you need to get one, the bag balm will fail.

[SSBN608]

Ah crap, didn't think of the teflon tape! I even had some. Oh well, stopped by a plumbing shop and picked up a few of the washers (might as well have a spare for the bathroom sink right?)

Checked after a 300 mile drive and still no leak - that Bag Balm is some tuff stuff.
I have the washers now and will replace when - if? -the bloody thing starts dripping again.

I always admired the response from the guy when asked why he didn't fix the leak in the roof while the weather was nice - cause it wasn't leaking!
:-)

Thanks for all the good info