Hello,

I am installing a new tub and the PVC waste drain has an elbow directly below the tub with a screw on fitting in the elbow. I am assuming this is the p-trap. Will this leak if I simply tighten it? Do I use any kind of glue or putty or teflon tape in this area? It seems like simply tightening this may not be enough. Can't find any specifics about this in the typical DIY books.

That piece is called the tub drain, or shoe. It has a basket that screws down. It requires putty between the basket and the tub, and a rubber washer between the shoe and the tub [under the tub]. I put thread dope on the threads of the basket.

No, not the tub drain waste shoe. The P-Trap elbow with the screw collar. Personally, I am very meticulous about both the gathering of correct procedural information and the execution of same. I have no intention of hurting myself or others, nor would I proceed with such a project if I thought there was the slightest possibility of such. I'm actually not saving money by doing this project myself. To code; I have successfully replaced 95% of the plumbing in my three story home with the exception of the master bath. I would have loved to pay a plumbers asking price for the entire job and saved myself the hassel, but I've met the plumbers here in town and they didn't inspire my confidence. I thank God they do not protect the health of the nation! If they did, we would be in GREAT jeopardy. This message board is made available to people who (for whatever the reason my be) need, hopefully qualified, information to 'correctly' proceed with a project while avoiding potential problems. We may "Dent" the income of professionals by doing these projects ourselves, but until we live in complete communism, this is our prerogative. Advisors (senior or not) would do better to offer help to, rather than criticism of, us Do-It-Yourselfers.