New Vessel Sink without overflow drains slow

iamgrowler · Oct 30, 2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racroo

I installed a new vessel sink without an overfolw and it drains very slow. When I loosen a connection and let some air in it drains fine, just like it did with the original undercounter sink. So I assume I need to do something to compensate for the lack of an overflow. Any suggestions?. Thanks.

Is the sink just resting on a slab countertop with the connections underneath exposed?

Or is this a vanity situation with doors and unexposed connections underneath?

If it is a vanity, you can put in a sanitary tee laying on its back where the drain comes out of the wall and install an air admittance valve.

racroo · Oct 30, 2006, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racroo

I installed a new vessel sink without an overfolw and it drains very slow. When I loosen a connection and let some air in it drains fine, just like it did with the original undercounter sink. So I assume I need to do something to compensate for the lack of an overflow. Any suggestions?. Thanks.

Thanks. Most of the plumbing is hidden in a cabinet. What is an air admittance valve and where can a find a picture or sketch re. Installing it? Is this a common problem with vessel sinks? Can I just buy one of those bottle drains like Deco sells instead?

iamgrowler · Oct 30, 2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racroo

Thanks. Most of the plumbing is hidden in a cabinet. What is an air admittance valve and where can a find a picture or sketch re. Installing it? Is this a common problem with vessel sinks? Can I just buy one of those bottle drains like Deco sells instead?

Tom posted a really good picture of the set-up in another thread.

As for the bottle trap, it isn't going to help you with this situation.

racroo · Oct 31, 2006, 03:04 AM

Learned that the problem is with a lack of air ahead of the P Trap. Does anyone know if codes will let me put the the air admissions valve in front of the P trap?

racroo · Oct 31, 2006, 03:09 AM

I installed a new vessel sink without an overflow and it drains very slow. When I loosen a connection between the sink and P Trap and let some air in it drains fine, just like it did with the original undercounter sink that had an overflow. So I assume I need to do something to compensate for the lack of an overflow. Does anyone know if Codes will let me put an air admissions valve in front of the P trap? Thanks.

speedball1 · Oct 31, 2006, 04:55 AM

You have installed a standard lavatory drain on your vessel sink and now you are air locked.
You need a vessel sink drain,(see image) For $31.00 this can be remedied. Click on; http://www.nextag.com/vessel-sink-po...in/search-html
To check it out.
Good luck, Tom

iamgrowler · Oct 31, 2006, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racroo

I installed a new vessel sink without an overflow and it drains very slow. When I loosen a connection between the sink and P Trap and let some air in it drains fine, just like it did with the original undercounter sink that had an overflow. So I assume I need to do something to compensate for the lack of an overflow. Does anyone know if Codes will let me put an air admissions valve in front of the P trap? Thanks.

Putting the AAV in front of the trap will suction the trap dry.

I still think your problem has to do with your vent.

It is either plugged, non-existant or is blocked by the bend of the trap that goes into the wall.

Some people make the mistake of pushing the bend all the way into the back of the fitting, which blocks the drain opening.

As for compensating for the lack of an overflow, look at it this way, kitchen sinks, bar sinks, mop sinks and floor sinks all drain just fine without an overflow -- Your lavatory isn't any different.

dclynch · Oct 31, 2006, 10:16 AM

Tom - How does a vessel sink drain work? Thanks - Dennis

speedball1 · Oct 31, 2006, 11:07 AM

Hey Dennis,

In a regular lavatory the over flow acts as a vent. You do not have this in a vessel sink so a drain with a opening in the tailpiece that acts as a vent takes the overflows place.

You said, "Learned that the problem is with a lack of air ahead of the P Trap."
Entirely correct and a drain that's made especially for vessel sinks addresses that problem.
This is not a venting problem. Your house vent relieves the suction caused by the discharge leaving the trap.
A vessel sink generates suction BEFORE it gets to the trap and that's what slows down the action. Change out the drain and your problem disappears. Good luck, Tom

New Vessel Sink without overflow drains slow

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