Any suggestions on how to adjust drain pipes in a new sink installation when they are too close to the back wall?
Asked by Amanda Bowman 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 21, 2024
Hey, I could use some advice. So, I had a new sink put in and the drains are closer to the back wall than they were with the old sink. I tried cutting the pipe after the ptrap and moving it back, but I can’t go far enough without the ptrap curving. Any ideas on how to solve this?
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Most people would probably say no to ‘s idea, but I’ve always believed that there’s a right time and place for just about everything. Maybe this is it? This is a very specific application and just a small adjustment… unless someone else has a better idea?
Hey, I’m part of a plumbers forum as well, and they really advise against these kinds of pipes. They mentioned issues with build-up in the accordion folds and odors.
Hey, I’m also not a fan of these accordion pipes, but any other ‘correct’ solution will require re-plumbing all the way from the wall.
Hey, said yes, but just for now until he finds someone skilled enough to do it properly.
Hey, , I wouldn’t recommend it. The plastic on these is pretty weak and they struggle to create a tight seal.
‘s hack
Hey, everyone always gets so worked up over these armchair plumbers, but a high-quality one can really go the distance and fix the issue. When it’s just used vertically, it’s usually not a big deal. If you’re in a hurry and on a budget, just save yourself the trouble and give it a try.
In situations like this, temporary often turns into permanent, as says.
I put one in my sink 5 years back, no leaks, no problems. These have been great!
Hey Joey, get ready for lots of funny reactions from the armchair plumbers! Haha
Oh no !!
Haha you’re not joking
Is the sink drain directly in line with the drain pipe in the wall?
Got it. Here’s a direct view.
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And from a different perspective…
…. so that’s the issue … right? If you adjust the offset, it shouldn’t be a problem since a P trap can easily be aligned as needed for various positions. Want to hear what the experts think? 🙂 Check out Joey’s and my comments below? … but I don’t believe most ‘legitimate’ plumbers would do that … GL
Is right. If I rotate the trap, I may gain some distance but I will no longer be aligned.
If it helps, you can adjust the ptrap at this joint. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a straight line.
THIS option is the right one, at least for option 1.
So, if the sink drain aligns with the pipe in the wall, it won’t function, correct?
Hey , absolutely!
Hey , if the pipe coming out of the wall lines up perfectly with the sink drain, then you won’t be able to swivel it because they won’t align. It’s frustrating when it’s THAT close and tight. Sometimes, as a plumber, it’s just easier to cut out the drain from the wall and start over.
Hey , have you ever thought about what would happen if you’re a salesperson instead of a plumber? Haha
Why not try selling some more and then call a plumber, ? 😁 After all, it’s just a drain line. As long as there are no leaks and it’s sloping downhill at 1/4 inch per foot, you should be good to go!
If there’s enough space, you could try cutting off the existing PVC male adapter and attaching a new one right up against the santee. That might give you the little extra you’re looking for.
You might be able to use a 45or22 to come off at the T, go left or right, then factor in the additional length for the trap. Test fit all the pieces, you’ll need a 45or22 and a different compression fitting.
I agree that this is how I would handle it.
Try adjusting the P trap by loosening it and shifting it to the side. It should do the trick. Remember, they are designed to be adjustable and don’t have to be in a straight line.
If I move it over, I won’t be aligned with the sink anymore.
Hey, so the trick is to loosen both of these up and give them a little wiggle. Give that a shot and let me know if it does the trick!
Here’s what you could do: grab a 45-degree angled pipe or a 22-degree one along with a new pipe section to replace the one you were planning to cut. With these, you can rotate the P trap to an angle that aligns perfectly. Check out Oatey brand pipes and compression washers at Home Depot for better quality rubber washers compared to what Lowe’s offers.
I always advise my friends to check out both Lowes and Home Depot plumbing sections since they have different parts. It’s worth shopping at both locations to find the right pieces. Thanks for bringing this up.
Appreciate it! Learned this lesson the hard way haha. We live near a Lowe’s store, but I wasn’t satisfied with their plumbing supplies, so I headed to Home Depot a bit further away. Used Oatey parts for our kitchen and bathroom remodel, and they’ve been working perfectly. Same goes for their PEX supplies. Home Depot definitely offers better quality fittings.
Looks like you’ll need to shift the vent tee back by 2 inches.
Not quite. The vent is positioned about half an inch away from the wall, while the other side of the cabinet features a 90-degree elbow downstairs.
You have enough pipe to cut it shorter.
Consider using a double offset joint to extend it slightly outward.
Cut the pipe where it’s marked in yellow on the back of the reducer, as close as you can. After that, attach a 2-inch to 1.5-inch trap adapter using glue. If you need more distance to reach the P-trap, use the tubular wall tube. If it’s still not long enough, you’ll need an extension tube.
Snip off this section at the threads right behind it and attach a new piece with glue. Make sure not to go too far back. You’ll want a little bit sticking out to stick the new piece onto.
Cut right behind the piece I marked in red. Then put in a new piece. I’ve heard some folks suggest adding elbows and whatnot. But let’s not make it too complicated haha
Rotate the trap as others have suggested and trim the tailstop piece (the one connected to the basket strainer) on the drainage end. It should then fit perfectly.
If the new sink is deeper than the old one and you can swivel the P-trap, great! If not, you’ll have to replace that reducer by slicing the pipe and attaching a new one. Based on what I see, you might gain an additional inch.
Try throwing a sideways 90 on it and rotating the trap to the side.
You might want to try rotating or pivoting the joints.
Check out Oatey products at Home Depot. They have a variety of adjustable, flexible drain hoses available. Here’s just one example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-Form-N-Fit-1-1-2-in-x-11-1-4-in-White-Plastic-Slip-Joint-Sink-Drain-Tailpiece-Extension-Tube-HDC3526955/316621996
This should only be used as a last resort until a plumber can fix it!
I didn’t say it was the best solution. I just mentioned it as an option. It might be better to address the issue now and then fine-tune it later, rather than waiting a few days for it to be fixed, in my opinion.
Why is doing that?
In a lot of situations, they don’t meet building codes, they get clogged more easily than standard pipes, and they don’t last as long since they tend to bend slightly and allow water to seep through, leading to more leaks.
Instead of doing that, grab a 45-degree angle if necessary, attach it to the pipe, give it a little extension, and twist the p-trap slightly to align it. Those flex hoses are not great.
If you’re dealing with a bathroom, you could consider using a T trap. I’m not certain if they are available in 1½” size. Brass Round Bottle P Trap, Basin Sink Waste Trap Drain Tube Kit with Adjustable Height, and an Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish can be found here: https://a.co/d/5LXUsZF
Seems like you accidentally pushed the trap into the wall, causing it to be shorter. Clickbait.
You should have the ability to adjust, spin, or shift the pipes until they align properly for the connection. Avoid using flexible piping as it is low-quality and should never be used. Also, refrain from using decorative pipes unless you want to deal with frequent clogs. If you’re having trouble aligning the pipes, take these photos to a plumbing store and explain your issue to get the necessary parts. If they recommend flexible piping, find another store as they are not knowledgeable.
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Exactly