![thumbnail](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/2befOMjA3ho/hqdefault.jpg)
Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
Under 2 hours
The curved pieces of drain pipe underneath your sink, commonly referred to as P-traps, do a lot of dirty work. Over time they leak, become corroded or get plugged with years of accumulated soap and grease. When replacing a P-trap, you should use the same type of trap you remove.
Traps are made from polypropylene (white or black), ABS (black), PVC (white) or brass (either chrome-plated or natural colored). Traps come in 1-1/4 inch (standard bathroom sink) or 1-1/2 inch (standard kitchen sink) inside diameter sizes. Be sure to check so you get the right size replacement at your local store.
In this guide we'll show you how to replace a P-trap in a few easy steps.
Remove the Old Drain Pipe
![A person removes an old drain pipe. A person removes an old drain pipe.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-1.jpg)
Remove the old drain assembly from the top down. Use the pliers to unscrew any stubborn slip nuts. Remember the drain trap (the U-shaped bend) will have a small amount of standing water so have your bucket or bag handy. To make sizing the new drain pieces easier, keep the old drain parts for now.
Attach the New Tailpiece
![A person attaches the tailpiece of a drain pipe. A person attaches the tailpiece of a drain pipe.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-2.jpg)
- For the kitchen: Put the tailpiece washer into the flared end of the tailpiece, then attach the tailpiece by screwing the slip nut onto the sink strainer.
- For the bathroom: The sink drain starts as a tailpiece and may reach the P-trap without additional parts. If not, add a tailpiece to make up the distance, cutting it to the needed length.
Add a T-Fitting, if Necessary
![A person adds a T-filling to a drain. A person adds a T-filling to a drain.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-3.jpg)
- If you're working on a sink with two basins, use a continuous waste T-fitting to join the tailpieces.
- Attach the fitting with slip washers and nuts. Make sure the beveled sides of washers face the threaded portion of the pipes.
- Applying pipe lubricant on the slip washer will ease installation and ensure a tight fit.
Attach a Trap Arm
![A person attaches a trap arm to a drain. A person attaches a trap arm to a drain.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-4.jpg)
Attach the trap arm to the drain stub-out, using a slip nut and washer. Remember to keep the beveled side of the washer facing the threaded drain stub-out. If necessary, the trap arm can be cut to fit with a hacksaw.
Connect a Trap Bend to the Trap Arm
![A person attaches a trap bend to a trap arm in a drain. A person attaches a trap bend to a trap arm in a drain.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-5.jpg)
Attach the trap bend to the trap arm, using slip nuts and washers. The beveled side of the washers should face the trap bend. Tighten all the nuts with a pair of slip joint pliers. Never use Teflon tape on white plastic pipe threads and fittings. Be careful not to over-tighten and crack the slip nuts.
Test & Clean Up
![A person turning on a kitchen sink. A person turning on a kitchen sink.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-replace-a-sink-trap-2023-step-6.jpg)
Turn the water back on by twisting the handle on the shut-off valve. To test the trap, turn the sink faucet on all the way and allow the water to run down the drain.
Watch the slip-nut connections for leaks. If you see any, use the pliers to tighten the slip nut. Make small movements to avoid over-tightening. Continue to tighten until the leak stops.
To clean up, turn off the faucet. Slide the bucket out from under the sink and remove the plastic sheeting.
Need help identifying a tool or material for replacing a sink trap? Find products fast with image search in The Home Depot Mobile App. Snap a picture of an item you like and we'll show you similar products.