COMPATIBILITY FIRST · NO INTRO ADS
Repair a leaking tubular P-trap
Reseat a slip-joint washer and align the illustrated ground-joint trap without force.
Illustrated version: Dearborn P9704/P9704BG-style polypropylene ground-joint P-trap on a 1¼-inch tailpiece with the matching reducing washer. Check applicability ↓
Read the narration transcript
To stop this slip-joint leak, reseat the washer instead of forcing the nut tighter. Close the sink supplies, open the faucet to verify no flow, then turn it off and empty the basin. Wear gloves and eye protection. Stop for failed shutoffs, chemical cleaner, corrosion, glued joints, moving pipes, or a leak inside the wall. Place a bucket underneath. Support the J-bend, undo its two nuts, and lower it carefully. Clean the tailpiece, washer seat, and mating surfaces. Replace a damaged washer with the correct size. Slide the nut on first. At this inlet, the washer’s flat side faces the nut; its narrow taper points down into the trap. Align everything without pulling or bending pipes. Seat this model’s molded outlet joint, then tighten the nuts snugly by hand. Don’t add tape to slip-joint threads or overtighten. Restore water. Run the tap, then drain a partly filled basin. Check every joint with dry tissue. If it still leaks, stop using the sink and have the faulty part or pipe assessed.
01 / MATCH YOUR DESIGN
Confirm this is your version.
- Dearborn P9704/P9704BG-style polypropylene ground-joint P-trap on a 1¼-inch tailpiece with the matching reducing washer.
- At the illustrated inlet, the nut goes on first; the washer's flat side faces the nut and its narrow taper enters the receiving trap fitting.
- This model's outlet is a molded ground-joint seal. Do not add an extra loose washer there. Other trap outlets may use separate washers; follow their own instructions.
- Accessible removable tubular fittings only. Glued, corroded, cracked or moving pipework and wall leaks are outside this repair.
Representative educational geometry, not manufacturer CAD or certification. Use the instructions supplied with your exact fixture and replacement part.
02 / CHECK BEFORE BUYING
Find the source of the problem.
- Dry the pipe and identify the exact leaking joint. Reseating a sound washer can help; forcing the nut tighter can damage the fitting.
- Confirm there is no chemical drain cleaner in the system before opening the drain.
03 / PARTS & PREPARATION
Have the right tools ready.
- Bucket, towels, gloves and eye protection
- Correct-size compatible replacement inlet washer if damaged
- Soft cleaning cloth or brush and dry tissue for leak checks
These checks are for your use. They do not certify compatibility and are not saved.
04 / THE PROCEDURE
Work through the repair.
- Isolate and verify. To stop this slip-joint leak, reseat the washer instead of forcing the nut tighter. Close the sink supplies, open the faucet to verify no flow, then turn it off and empty the basin. Wear gloves and eye protection. Stop for failed shutoffs, chemical cleaner, corrosion, glued joints, moving pipes, or a leak inside the wall.
- Remove, clean and orient the washer. Place a bucket underneath. Support the J-bend, undo its two nuts, and lower it carefully. Clean the tailpiece, washer seat, and mating surfaces. Replace a damaged washer with the correct size. Slide the nut on first. At this inlet, the washer’s flat side faces the nut; its narrow taper points down into the trap.
- Align and seat both joints. Align everything without pulling or bending pipes. Seat this model’s molded outlet joint, then tighten the nuts snugly by hand. Don’t add tape to slip-joint threads or overtighten.
- Restore water and verify. Restore water. Run the tap, then drain a partly filled basin. Check every joint with dry tissue. If it still leaks, stop using the sink and have the faulty part or pipe assessed.
05 / VERIFY THE RESULT
Test operation and check for leaks.
- Restore water and run the tap, then drain a partly filled basin.
- Check every disturbed joint with dry tissue, including the pivot joint if disturbed.
- If leakage remains, stop using the sink and have the faulty part or pipe assessed.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Stop and get qualified help when…
- Failed shutoffs, chemical drain cleaner or uncertain contents
- Glued fittings, severe corrosion, cracks, moving pipes or a leak inside the wall
- Parts do not align freely or sealing faces are damaged
- Leak remains after correct reassembly
Use your actual parts prices, tool costs and an all-in local service quote when deciding. A cheaper repair is not worth unsafe isolation or water damage.
Opens Google Maps in a new tab. Check the search area, or add your city or ZIP code.
MANUFACTURER REFERENCES
Sources & scope.
The references below support the named example. Their instructions and version notes take priority if your fixture differs.
Checked October 15, 2026. Information links only. No affiliate links or parts sales.