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hwoodward · Jul 3, 2005, 07:50 PM

We are remodeling our bathroom and have purchased a new vanity w/ bottom pull out drawer. The problem I now see is that the p trap portion of the drain is too low. We don't want to cut the vanity and I would like to avoid tearing the wall apart to raise the drain pipe inside the wall. Is it acceptable to add a 90 degree elbow at the wall to raise the drain pipe and then another 90 to relocate the p trap higher? Would appreciated any help you all can lend.

labman · Jul 3, 2005, 09:10 PM

Do I understand you plan to raise the trap, go back high enough to clear the drawer, then down and finally back into the wall at original place? Adding 90's is asking for clogs. If you do, be sure and use the longer drain elbows, not the regular ones. I think it will work, but Tom is top dog in plumbing.

On the other hand, if it is just drywall behind the vanity, cutting a hole to access the pipe isn't that big of a hassle. Cut down the middle of the studs to the floor. Then one horizontal cut above where the new drain will go. If the drywall is nailed on, just use a punch to drive the nails flush with the studs. With screws, uncover the heads and screw them out. With it behind the vanity, you don't need to make it look good when you patch it.

speedball1 · Jul 4, 2005, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by hwoodward

We are remodeling our bathroom and have purchased a new vanity w/ bottom pull out drawer. The problem I now see is that the p trap portion of the drain is too low. We don't want to cut the vanity and I would like to avoid tearing the wall apart to raise the drain pipe inside the wall. Is it acceptable to add a 90 degree elbow at the wall to raise the drain pipe and then another 90 to relocate the p trap higher? Would appreciated any help you all can lend.

I really hate to be negative on the Forth of July but what you're proposing is to build a "S" trap which is illegal in all local and state codes. ( Sorry Labman) There is a much simpler solution, however, and that is to purchase a longer tail piece, ( the threaded chrome pipe from the pop-up assembly to the trap) and connect that way. No "S" trap and no tearing into walls. You may have to slot the drawer if it's in the way. Would it be too late to return the vanity for one that fits better? Tom

labman · Jul 4, 2005, 03:42 PM

Thinking some more about this. How old is your drain? I got into a mess a couple of months ago on an old drain. The new wall piece I bought was not the same height as the old one. The new traps are shorter than the old ones. If you have an old trap, and only need an inch or so, you might be able to replace it with a new trap, and gain just enough. Measure from the wall piece to the bottomof the trap, and then go measure the same size trap at a store.

hwoodward · Jul 4, 2005, 08:26 PM

I appreciate all the advice on the drain. Cutting was not an option and the p trap was the newer pvc style that was not real deep. So.. with all that said, I convinced the wife to take the easy road and get the vanity without a lower drawer. Problem solved... Not I just need time to install it. I do think I will need to re-work the drain and all to adjust for the different location of the sink and height, but I can manage with the drain location in the wall. Thanks again!

One other question... the instructions with the faucet say to use silicone on the drain piece that goes in the sink. Is silicone the best bet here? I have also seen where plumbers putty could be used.

speedball1 · Jul 5, 2005, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by hwoodward

I appreciate all the advice on the drain. Cutting was not an option and the p trap was the newer pvc style that was not real deep. So..with all that said, I convinced the wife to take the easy road and get the vanity without a lower drawer. Problem solved...Not I just need time to install it. I do think I will need to re-work the drain and all to adjust for the different location of the sink and height, but I can manage with the drain location in the wall. Thanks again!

One other question...the instructions with the faucet say to use silicone on the drain piece that goes in the sink. Is silicone the best bet here? I have also seen where plumbers putty could be used.

"One other question...the instructions with the faucet say to use silicone on the drain piece that goes in the sink. Is silicone the best bet here? I have also seen where plumbers putty could be used."

Dealers choice! I use plumbers putty, (unless it's a marble counter top with a built in lav, the oil in the putty will leach into and stain the marble) because it's easier to clean up and there's no waste. However both will make a satisfactory seal.
Good luck, Tom