Drain pipe under sink is not a thread connection

[PNE123]

I have just bought a 2 bed flat. When I drained the sink it started leaking underneath. When I looked underneath I noticed that there was no blanking plug where the washing machine drains into and water/bubbles were coming out of it. This something I can sort myself. I plan to rent out the flat so there is currently no washer connected.

Whilst down there I also noticed that where the water comes from the sink was rather loose. On closer inspection where the connections just slot together rather than using a thread (See red arrow in pic, I'm not sure what there sections are called). Although I can see no leaks at this location is this good practice or is it worth changing it to a thread is this is possible?

 

[foxhole]

Your sink does have a thread at the base as normal. What you’re looking at is a compression fitting with an extension allowing adjustment.

 

[PNE123]

Thanks your your response. So is the current setup acceptable and be just left as it is?

 

[foxhole]

Thanks your your response. So is the current setup acceptable and be just left as it is?

Yes just ensure it’s tight.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Given the condition of the internals, FWIW I'd suggest you replace the Trap. Your are relying on the O ring to make the seal and compress to hold the thing together, if its perished through age, it'll be well past its best now and may struggle to do what it's required to.

Keep an eye on it, if it leaks, then replace.

 

[Madrab]

McAlpine 11/2, twin sink trap kit.

Strip it all out, disassemble it all (take care with the o-rings that are fitted to the basin waste connection spigots when removing and refiting them as they can be deformed/snappped under the threaded nut) and get it into the shower/bath in a bucket with lots of hot soapy water and clean everything with a pot brush and scourer until it's all nice and squeeky clean. Then get a little silicone grease and grease all the rubber o-rings/seals and refit everything. As long as the seals/o-rings are still nice and supple and not deformed then they should continue to give you excellent service, McAlpine traps last well if looked after.

 

[robinbanks]

Or, if it doesn't presently leak from that location and your only concern is it slipping apart, use 3 cable ties arranged snugly (but not tightened to oblivion) thus to prevent the joint from separating:

 

[dilalio]

Thanks your your response. So is the current setup acceptable and be just left as it is?

Renew it.
Stick the costs through the books.
And avoid nuisance calls from tenants, who will undoubtedly manage to make it leak at 8pm on a Sunday evening.

 

[Madrab]

Only thing I'd say is that if it to be replaced then all you would be doing is replacing it for the same thing. Unless you go down the route of installing 2 separate traps, one for each sink.

If the seals/-rings are in poor condition then yes replace, or if that's beyond your skills then get a replacement seal pack - McAlpine used to do them - it then saves any fitting issues. Then it's back to stripping and cleaning and replace the seals adding a little silly grease.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. You can get a blanking plug for the spigot to which the washing machine used to be connected. Mcalpine do them.
2. If water was coming out of the currently unsealed spigot, it suggests to me there is some sort of partial blockage in the drainage system. If there wasn't, waste water would take the path of least resistance, not rise up through the spigot.