How to Replace Old Metal Pipe Nuts With PVC

Metal pipe nuts on non-pressurized drain pipe systems may be replaced with nuts manufactured of PVC. Kitchen and bathroom sink drains are examples of drain pipes that operate by gravity flow and retain no pressure. Metal drainpipe nuts are susceptible to hard-water corrosion and can deteriorate over time. Replacing the metal nuts with PVC provides a corrosion-proof nut with better thread sealing ability. No special plumbing skills are required to replace the metal nuts on your drain pipes.

Drain pan
Lock-jaw pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Drain any standing water from the sink basin.
- 2
  Place a drain pan under the sink trap piping. The trap is "P" shaped and located under the sink directly below the drain.
- 3
  Drain the water from the trap by removing the drain plug using lock-jaw pliers. The plug is at the lowest point of the P-trap. Turn the plug counterclockwise.
- 4
  Disconnect the metal trap pipe nut from the sink drain. Turn the nut counterclockwise using the pliers.
- 5
  Remove the sink trap by disconnecting the metal nut that connects the other end of the trap to the drain pipe. Keep the ring seals from each end of the trap.
- 6
  Disconnect the metal nut that holds the two halves of the trap together using the pliers.
- 7
  Slide the metal nuts off from the trap pipe and replace them with PVC nuts.
- 8
  Insert the pipe seal between the two drain trap halves and assemble the trap using PVC nuts. Tighten the PVC nuts clockwise by hand. Replace the drain plug and tighten clockwise with the lock-jaw pliers.
- 9
  Insert the ring seals into each end of the trap. Connect the trap to the sink drain and the drain pipe. Tighten the PVC nuts snug by hand.
- 10
  Tighten all the PVC nut connections a half turn using the pliers.
- 11
  Fill the sink basin with water.
- 12
  Drain the water and check the drain pipes for leaks.

How to Refill a Leaking Fluidmaster Line

How to Repair a Hole in a Cast Iron Pipe With PC-Metal Epoxy

Plumbing