Sink drain pipes: glue or not?

My husband is disagreeing with plumbers about the use of those plastic drain pipes that clamp together (rather than being glued.) When our sink was installed last year, the contractor's plumbers used those clamped pipes. My husband thought it was weird, but they said it's the normal thing now.

We currently have two problems under the sink: A small leak in the clamped pipes, and an unrelated (we think) larger leak from the bottom of the garbage disposal. My husband met a plumber who will be coming out to take a look. That plumber told him that he doubts the pipes have to be replaced or glued; he said that the clamped pipes were probably just not installed correctly. The clamped pipes are used for ease of repair and replacement. That sounds right to me, but not to my husband, who asked me to post this question here.

Probably going to need photos. Clamped pipe is pretty general.

By clamped pipe I'm assuming you mean slip nuts

Here's a photo. I'm sorry that it's sideways; I have no idea why that is. It's fine on my phone, but when I uploaded it to Plumbing Forums, it's sideways.

No cement (it's not glue) required on that set up. I don't care for them anyway I prefer all my pipes cemented.

Probably most likely just need a good tightening or one of the connections needs a new gasket what do you have a plumber coming out to take a look at it see what they say.

Matt30 said:

No cement (it's not glue) required on that set up. I don't care for them anyway I prefer all my pipes cemented.

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I am interested to hear more! Why do you prefer to cement all the pipes?

voletl said:

Probably most likely just need a good tightening or one of the connections needs a new gasket what do you have a plumber coming out to take a look at it see what they say.

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Do you like these kinds of pipe fastenings? Do you think they are as good as pipes that are cemented?

Underneath the sink yes I prefer the style of pipe over cemented with this style you can disassemble the piping if there's a blockage and there's no need to put a clean out we're cemented pipe you would need one but to each their own

Mainly, it's my personal preferance because I don't trust those tubular trap assembly's to not leak, hence why we are talking about it now. They are flimsy in construction and are easily disturbed when people pack supplies under the vanity.

Secondly, everything where I live is sch40 ABS or PVC. Those tubular trap assembly's aren't allowed on new builds here, everything is cemented. The only time I see them is when it's an obvious handyman special. As for servicing, I have never really had an issue getting my snake thru the trap clean out. On the rare occasion that I might find it easier to have the trap out of my way, I usually cut the trap arm off, snake the drain, then put it back together with a line clean out on the trap arm for next time.

Thirdly....I just think the tubular traps look like crap

But, like V said, to each their own!

Interesting electric setup you've got in there. Plug gets loose. Metal hose hits the hot contact for the plug, and everything gets energized.

I'm not sure why the metal foil tape is used, but I think that electrical socket should be flipped over with the ground up top and probably have a cover plate over the outlet. I guess the metal foil tape is just extending the ground. So it should not be a theoretical problem.

I'm not an electrician or plumber.

I like the cheap plastic pipes shown in the picture. DIY folks might not install them correctly though.

mknmike said:

Interesting electric setup you've got in there. Plug gets loose. Metal hose hits the hot contact for the plug, and everything gets energized.

I'm not sure why the metal foil tape is used, but I think that electrical socket should be flipped over with the ground up top and probably have a cover plate over the outlet. I guess the metal foil tape is just extending the ground. So it should not be a theoretical problem.

I'm not an electrician or plumber.

I like the cheap plastic pipes shown in the picture. DIY folks might not install them correctly though.

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Are you saying there's a shock hazard there? I'm amazed my husband didn't notice that!

The metal tape is sealing the openings around the pipes in the back of the cabinet. There's a block wall behind it, and a while ago there was a leak in the wood trim of the exterior window above the sink. Water got back there, and made the block smell. We blocked it with the metal tape.

So if a pro installs them, those pipes are sturdy and won't leak?

It is a preference thing, there is nothing wrong with using the tubular fittings, and nothing wrong with glue fittings

Matt does what what every body in his area does, I respect Matt as a plumber, and his judgement

I use tubular fittings, I have for 30 years

there are advantages and dis advantages to both. I like to be able to remove the piping to clean the trap and trap arm with out cutting the pipe

because, every time you cut a pipe...it is shorter. pretty soon..."you aint got" nothing left to cut LOL

matt30 said:

mainly, it's my personal preferance because i don't trust those tubular trap assembly's to not leak, hence why we are talking about it now. They are flimsy in construction and are easily disturbed when people pack supplies under the vanity.

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!!!!!! Bingo !!!!!!

I'm aware