I have successfully replaced/installed a new built in dishwasher. It has no leaks. However the black PVC drain pipes under the sink are now leaking when the dishwasher is running. I must have loosened them when I was doing the installation. Is it possible to let it all dry out and then just apply some kind of glu to the joints to reseal??

Hi Tdgroote...

What you need to do here is to find which specific joints are leaking... may or may not be the black plastic... ;) It could also be a sneaky little leak from any joint/nut/connection. Flashlight is a very helpful tool here.

Usually, there are not multiple leaks in plastic so find the leak(s) and either tighten the joint(s) or pull apart loosened parts, clean them and then re-install them. You may need to apply pipe joint compound to the joints, depending on the issue (see picture.. available at all home supply stores).

It is not usually a good idea to just apply glue over a leaky joint... the leak will show up again and it will almost always be during a massive dinner for family/friends. You know... ;)

Let me know if you need more information...

MARK

Mark. Thanks for the quick response. If I need to pull apart, clean and reaplly the compound, how do you pull apart when all the joints fit together snuggly and are essentially one curving piece of pipe. Also, isn't that black pipe just glued together not screwed? How do you pull apart 2 pcs glued together?

Theresa

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isn't that black pipe just glued together not screwed? How do you pull apart 2 pcs glued together?

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The answer is, you don't pull plastic,( PVC, ABS or CPVC , pipes apart after they have been primed and glued. It's doubtful the you're leaking from a glued joint so I would began by checking around all the joints that have nuts on them. If the leak's small and hard to see I take some TP and rub it around the joint. If moisture shows up you've found a leak. Let us know what you find. Good luck, tom