Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

On Dec 29, 4:45�pm, gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. �I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. �I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. �The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. �Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? �I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

I think you have the right idea with the plumbers putty.

Hank

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips


Drain pipes have been a problem for me as well. What I have found is
that you need to tighten the connections as little as possible at first.
If they leak, then tighten them some more. Over tightening them does
not stop a leak like working with steel pipe.

Ken wrote in
:

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case
it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips


Drain pipes have been a problem for me as well. What I have
found is
that you need to tighten the connections as little as possible at
first.
If they leak, then tighten them some more. Over tightening them
does
not stop a leak like working with steel pipe.


EXACTLY what he said!

If you've already cranked down a lot on the nut and compressed the cone
washer then consider it shot even if it looks OK.

That large nut under the sink should be tightened as snug as you can by
HAND. If it leaks then tighten with pliers/whatever ONLY 1/6 turn (a flat
on the nut). Check for leaks and repeat if necessary. Should not take a
whole bunch more after that. If it does then there is something wrong
with the surface where the cone washer meets the sink. Once I feel it's
not leaking I fill the sink to the top and let it rip.

Plumbers putty is only suppose to be put on the top between the recess of
the sink hole where the drain flange sits.

Any chance you overtightened it already?

You would really have to overtighten the heck out of it to compress that
rubber cone washer enough to crack the sink.

It does have a CONE washer?

On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:22:38 -0600, Ken wrote:

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips


Drain pipes have been a problem for me as well. What I have found is
that you need to tighten the connections as little as possible at first.
If they leak, then tighten them some more. Over tightening them does
not stop a leak like working with steel pipe.

One rule I follow when mounting a drain tail pipe in a sink. ALWAYS,
make the putty donut thicker/larger than needed. Mine may be 3/8 - 1/2
inch thick. When the nut is tightened below the excess putty is
squeezed from around the drain edge ( easy clean).

To little putty will possibly cause a leak along the tail pipe and
travel under the sink.

First guess? Pull the pipe and try again.

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the sink for
a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

On Dec 29, 4:45*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. *I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. *I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. *The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. *Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? *I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the sink for
a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): If I have over-tightened the
black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have that
shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers

gwandsh wrote in
:

On Dec 29, 4:45*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. *I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. *I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. *The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. *Because the sink is
somewha
t
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't
want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer
meets the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer
can't handle? *I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just
in case i
t
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the
sink
for
a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): If I have over-tightened the
black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have that
shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers




I'm no plumbing person. Just relaying my fu...errrr...fixes. I've had
experiences where I retried doing the tightening sequence with the same
washer. Rarely it corrected it. Replacing it and following "the rules"
frequently fixed it.

For clarity and a better chance at someone helping, were are talking
about a leak at the red arrow in this pic right?

http://i47.tinypic.com/apfhw2.jpg

Plumbers putty there I wouldn't have much confidence in. If you are
really desperate and at a loss go with silicone. I was once in that
desparation position. Did not have silicone, there is no pressure being a
drain but I did have time for the group to laugh here and open tube of
roofing cement handy. Sink underside black, cone black. Never leaked
afterwards.

And you thought I was kidding when I said I was no plumber :-)

gwandsh wrote:
On Dec 29, 4:45 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case
it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the
sink for a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): If I have over-tightened the
black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have that
shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers

You don't need a seal on the underside, it should seal on the top - inside
the sink. The nut is just to pull the inside drain flange down so the
inside seal is made.

You are talking about the tail piece, right? The metal tube with a flange
that fits through the hole in the sink and is attached to it with a nut? I
ask because you mentioned a cone washer...never seen one of those used in
that situation. Flat, yes; cone, no. Cone washers are used when hooking
the P-trap to the tail piece.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

Red Green wrote:
Plumbers putty there I wouldn't have much confidence in. If you are
really desperate and at a loss go with silicone. I was once in that
desparation position. Did not have silicone, there is no pressure
being a drain but I did have time for the group to laugh here and
open tube of roofing cement handy. Sink underside black, cone black.
Never leaked afterwards.

And you thought I was kidding when I said I was no plumber :-)

No, but you're plenty smart.

Roofing cement is designed to stop leaks, right?

"HeyBub" wrote in
news
Red Green wrote:
Plumbers putty there I wouldn't have much confidence in. If you are
really desperate and at a loss go with silicone. I was once in that
desparation position. Did not have silicone, there is no pressure
being a drain but I did have time for the group to laugh here and
open tube of roofing cement handy. Sink underside black, cone black.
Never leaked afterwards.

And you thought I was kidding when I said I was no plumber :-)

No, but you're plenty smart.

Roofing cement is designed to stop leaks, right?



That was the thought at the time...

"dadiOH" wrote in
:

gwandsh wrote:
On Dec 29, 4:45 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer
meets the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer
can't handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in
case it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the
sink for a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): If I have over-tightened
the black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have
that shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers

You don't need a seal on the underside, it should seal on the top -
inside the sink. The nut is just to pull the inside drain flange down
so the inside seal is made.

How does the overflow water get into the drain in sinks with an
overflow?

Through the holes in the side of the tailpiece pipe that sits inside the
sink. Not visible once connected. The overflow runs in a hollow sink
chamber and goes into the tailpiece holes. When the sink is draining
some water can also come out of the holes and enter the bottom of the
chamber...where the cone washer is.


Hole to the left of the white washer.
http://www.plumbingsupply.com/images...upassembly.jpg

Holes above the white washer.
http://mrdirectint.com/sinksandfauce...opup_drain.jpg

And another
http://common3.csnimages.com/lf/2/ha...h+Overflow.jpg


You are talking about the tail piece, right? The metal tube with a
flange that fits through the hole in the sink and is attached to it
with a nut? I ask because you mentioned a cone washer...never seen
one of those used in that situation. Flat, yes; cone, no. Cone
washers are used when hooking the P-trap to the tail piece.


Cone washer pretty common. Not always used I guess. Just like all sinks
don't have overflows and all popups don't provide for overflow.

http://common4.csnimages.com/lf/2/ha...h+Overflow.jpg


OP:

Does your sink bowl have an overflow hole? If so, did you use a popup
with an overflow? If you didn't, once water enters the overflow chamber
it will fill with water and just sit there. Not good.

Van Chocstraw wrote in
:

Oren wrote:
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:22:38 -0600, wrote:

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer
meets the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer
can't handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just
in case it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips


Drain pipes have been a problem for me as well. What I have
found is
that you need to tighten the connections as little as possible at
first.
If they leak, then tighten them some more. Over tightening them
does
not stop a leak like working with steel pipe.

One rule I follow when mounting a drain tail pipe in a sink. ALWAYS,
make the putty donut thicker/larger than needed. Mine may be 3/8 -
1/2 inch thick. When the nut is tightened below the excess putty is
squeezed from around the drain edge ( easy clean).

To little putty will possibly cause a leak along the tail pipe and
travel under the sink.

First guess? Pull the pipe and try again.

You shouldn't need any putty at all on a sink like that. The gasket
with the hump goes up against the sink and pipe and plugs the hole
around the drain when you tighten the nut. No putty needed if you did
it properly. If the OP has leaks then it should be taken off and
examined, not gooped up with putty and silicone. Replace the drain
pipe, gasket, nut as necessary. Make sure the sink isn't defective or
irregular around the drain hole. If so sand or file it smooth or
replace the sink too.



not gooped up with putty and silicone

Agree 100%. Sometimes we just don't follow the rules.

On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:45:36 -0800, gwandsh wrote:

Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

Was the drain pipework supplied with the sink? If not*, are you sure
there's nothing stopping the nut from tightening further, other than the
sink itself? It's just a stray thought, but I'm not sure if anyone's
mentioned that possibilty yet...

* or even if so; maybe there's damage to the threads on the part that the
nut screws on to, so it feels tight before it really is.

cheers

Jules

On Dec 30, 5:46*am, Van Chocstraw
wrote:
Oren wrote:
On Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:22:38 -0600, *wrote:

gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. *I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and even
did a couple quite some time ago. *I double checked the sink/vanity
that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I know the
washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. *The drain
flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have some
slight irregularities at the sink drain. *Because the sink is somewhat
more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I don't want
to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? *I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case it
isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

* * * *Drain pipes have been a problem for me as well. *What I have found is
that you need to tighten the connections as little as possible at first.

Red Green wrote:

Cone washer pretty common. Not always used I guess. Just like all
sinks
don't have overflows and all popups don't provide for overflow.

My bad, my brain was on kitchen sinks.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

On Dec 30, 6:09*am, "dadiOH" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
On Dec 29, 4:45 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandsh wrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case
it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the
sink for a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. *To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. *Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. *I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. *After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): *If I have over-tightened the
black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have that
shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers

You don't need a seal on the underside, it should seal on the top - inside
the sink. *The nut is just to pull the inside drain flange down so the
inside seal is made.

You are talking about the tail piece, right? *The metal tube with a flange
that fits through the hole in the sink and is attached to it with a nut? *I
ask because you mentioned a cone washer...never seen one of those used in
that situation. *Flat, yes; cone, no. *Cone washers are used when hooking
the P-trap to the tail piece.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

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The bottom washer/nut must be tight also, since the sink overflow
comes into the drain below where the drain stopper fits into the sink
opening.

On Dec 30 2009, 3:40*pm, "hr(bob) "
wrote:
On Dec 30, 6:09*am, "dadiOH" wrote:





gwandshwrote:
On Dec 29, 4:45 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
gwandshwrote:
Hi all

I recently installed a new bathroom vanity, sink and faucet. I am
getting a small leak at the point where the large nut tightens the
drain assembly onto the bottom of the sink, compressing the black
washer onto the bottom of the sink drain.

I have seen sink installs before, checked the net for hints, and
even did a couple quite some time ago. I double checked the
sink/vanity that was removed from the space, and also on line, so I
know the washers on the drain assembly are in the right order. The
drain flange has a good ring of plumbers putty under it.

The sink itself is an ornamental handpainted model, and may have
some slight irregularities at the sink drain. Because the sink is
somewhat more delicate than the standard white porcelain models, I
don't want to risk overtightening the nut.

So what I am hoping to get are pointers on what the plumber-savvy
folks would do to handle a leak on the underside of the sink drain?
Can I add a thin bead of plumbers putty where the black washer meets
the sink, in an attempt to fill any irregularities the washer can't
handle? I am reluctant to use silicone at that point, just in case
it isn't successful and I have to dismantle it again.

Thanks for any tips

If you've got water that's any kind of hard, put a bucket under the
sink for a few days and see if the leak heals itself.

Thanks all for the responses. *To fill in some gaps in the info:
I have already re-installed this a couple of times.
I use a pretty thick roll of plumbers putty. *Perhaps tightening has
squeezed out too much.
I *did* try the finger tight nut solution. *I then tried tightening a
half turn and re-testing. *After 4-5 half turns, I stopped in fear of
damaging the sink.
To Red Green (one of my fav shows, BTW): *If I have over-tightened the
black washer (I assume that's the "cone" washer, it does have that
shape), does it need to get replaced before I try to re-install?
Can I use some plumbers putty along with the cone washer to make the
seal on the underside of the sink?

Cheers

You don't need a seal on the underside, it should seal on the top - inside
the sink. *The nut is just to pull the inside drain flange down so the
inside seal is made.

You are talking about the tail piece, right? *The metal tube with a flange
that fits through the hole in the sink and is attached to it with a nut? *I
ask because you mentioned a cone washer...never seen one of those used in
that situation. *Flat, yes; cone, no. *Cone washers are used when hooking
the P-trap to the tail piece.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it athttp://mysite.verizon.net/xico-Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The bottom washer/nut must be tight also, since the sink overflow
comes into the drain below where the drain stopper fits into the sink
opening.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thought I would follow up and finish off this thread. I finally
contacted my much trusted plumber/contractor all-around-good-guy and
he came out on a service call. He checked my work over, dismantled
the installation, added silicon and snugged it back up. End of leak.

When I told him I had been reluctant to do that because of the
"permanency" of the fix, he assured me that if necessary, the drain
can be dismantled and the silicon will peel off quite easily.

So the bottom line is, if nothing else works, sometimes the obvious
answer is the right one.

You don't need a seal on the underside, it should seal on the top - inside the sink.
You do need to seal the underside and the top. The drain tube has slotted holes in it where the overflow drains back. If you don't get a seal on the underside water will leak through those slots and out around the cone washer. I just fought a drain leak like that when I installed a new faucet and drain. The new cone washer was too big to go up through the hole in the sink. I finally used the old cone washer and plumbers putty.

--
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