Plumbing & Irrigation
Plumbing & IrrigationUpdated 10/1/2026

How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink Pipe (P-Trap Replacement)

A drip under the sink usually means a failed P-trap. Swapping it is a quick, inexpensive fix that stops water damage to your cabinet.

Plumbing & Irrigation
How-To Guides
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
45 minutes
Budget
$
Safety
Low

Tools needed

  • Slip-joint channel pliers
  • Heavy-duty utility bucket
  • Rags

Materials needed

  • Plastic P-trap kit
  • Plumber's thread tape

Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Clear the cabinet and place a bucket under the trap to catch water.

  2. 2

    Loosen the slip-joint nuts by hand or with channel pliers and remove the old trap.

  3. 3

    Clean the pipe ends and compare the new trap for a matching fit.

  4. 4

    Hand-tighten the new trap with its washers seated correctly, adding thread tape on threaded joints.

  5. 5

    Run water and watch for drips, snugging nuts a quarter turn if needed.

Common mistakes

  • • Overtightening plastic nuts and cracking them
  • • Reusing worn washers that won't seal

Maintenance & next steps

Keep the cabinet clear so you spot any new drip early.

When to call a professional

For leaks inside the wall, metal trap corrosion, or persistent drips after replacement.

Editor's note: This is instructional content for How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink Pipe (P-Trap Replacement). Replace with your own firsthand experience and photos before publishing.
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