What is the pipe under the sink called?

Author: Veronica Bashirian  |  Last update: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Trap: A P-trap is a two-part pipe under your sink that allows waste and water to pass through. The bend in the pipe prevents sewer gasses from entering. Today, most models are two pieces joined together. Older P-trap systems may be glued in place and should be replaced with an updated two-piece system.

What are the three pipes under the kitchen sink?

Given that the valves are under the kitchen sink, it is likely that they are: 1) hot water supply, 2) cold water supply, and 3) hot water supply to the dishwasher.

What is the bend in the pipe under the sink called?

P-traps, named after their shape, contain a u-shaped bend that filters wastewater as it enters a plumbing system. The trap is connected to a sink, bathtub, and shower with a J-bend on one end and exits into your drainage system. The J-bend is the section of the p-trap that resembles the letter J.

What is the tap under the sink called?

Your inside stop valve is the easiest way to turn your water on and off. It can also be known as stopcock or stop tap.

How to fix leaking pipes under sink?

Turn off the water supply, remove the drain assembly, and replace the rubber washer with a new one. Seal with Plumber's Putty: If the leak persists, apply plumber's putty around the drain flange before reassembling. Tighten the Connection: Check the connection where the flexible hose meets the supply line or faucet.

How to Connect a Kitchen Sink Drain

How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe under a sink?

The average pipe leak repair can cost between $250 to $500, although major leaks, with resulting damage, can cost considerably more.

Is a leaking sink pipe an emergency?

Leaking Pipes

If you notice any leaking water coming from a pipe, it is essential to act quickly to prevent any further damage. The first step to fixing this plumbing emergency is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This will stop any more water from leaking and causing damage.

What is the pipe under the kitchen sink called?

Trap: A P-trap is a two-part pipe under your sink that allows waste and water to pass through. The bend in the pipe prevents sewer gasses from entering. Today, most models are two pieces joined together. Older P-trap systems may be glued in place and should be replaced with an updated two-piece system.

Why does my p-trap leak?

One of the most common causes of a P trap leak is over-tightening a “lock nut.” Drain trap manufacturers specifically warn against over-tightening, since this can cause the materials to crack. Even a metal trap compression nut can crack if it has been over tightened.

Can you change a tap without turning off the water?

If you are trying to replace your kitchen tap(s) or carry out maintenance or repairs to your sink then you can simply isolate the taps instead of turning off the water completely. To do this you should see isolation valves for each tap that will be marked red for the hot tap and blue for the cold tap.

What is the bent pipe under the sink?

Purpose 1: To prevent sewer gasses from entering your living space. The pipe bend known as the trap ensures a water seal separates the sewage system from the inside of your home. Like the rest of the wastewater system, it relies on gravity to keep the water within the bend.

How do I know if my P-trap is bad?

Is your P-trap working properly? If you detect any foul odors near the P-trap that remind you of a smell similar to rotten eggs, then it means that there is hydrogen sulfide present. This, and other harmful gases, bacteria, and viruses, can get into the house if your plumbing trap has malfunctioned.

What is the bent pipe under the sink called?

The P-Trap Under Sink Plumbing Mechanism

The U-shaped bend in your drain pipe is called the p-trap. This pipe is also referred to as a trap. However, the term trap can refer to a number of plumbing fixtures that serve similar purposes.

What is the valve under the kitchen sink called?

Shutoff valves under the sink, also called fixture shutoffs or stop valves, allow you to turn off the water to your sink (or other fixtures) without using your home's main shutoff. These inexpensive little valves rarely get used but can sometimes leak.

Why does my kitchen tap have three pipes?

A 3 way tap, also known as a triflow tap, is a tap that has three separate pipes, each of which is dedicated to a specific function. One pipe delivers cold water, another delivers hot water, and the third pipe delivers filtered water.

How do you clean a P-trap without removing it?

Pour some baking soda down your drain and then pour boiling water down after. Sometimes this will clear the clog. Use a plunger on your sink drain to try to force the clog out of the trap.

What should a P-trap look like?

A P-trap is also known as a sink trap. It's the strongly curved portion of piping under the sink. It's called a P-trap because the bend makes it look similar to the letter P turned on its side. It also looks like a U or a J when it's not on its side.

How often do P-traps dry out?

How Long Does It Take for a P-Trap to Dry Out? P-traps can dry out as quickly as a month, sometimes even less than that. This happens most often in winter. To prevent your P-trap from drying out, run the sink or shower for a minute or two once a week to keep water flowing and your P-traps from drying out.

What are the pipes under my sink?

Directly beneath the sink, there is a U-shaped pipe called a trap. The trap is designed to hold water, which forms a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. It also helps trap small objects that might accidentally fall into the sink, preventing them from entering the main plumbing system.

What is the difference between a running trap and a P-trap?

Our traps are manufactured using food-grade stainless steel, and are recommended for use with all FoodSafe Catch basins: P-Trap for any vertical/bottom outlet connections, and Running Trap for horizontal/side outlet connections.

Do you need a vent pipe under kitchen sink?

It does not matter what kind of sink you have, it still needs a vent. Every kitchen sink relies on proper ventilation to ensure that the plumbing system functions correctly, by providing balance in the pressure between fixtures and the drainage system.

How much does it cost to fix a leaky sink pipe?

The cost of repairs can vary widely based on factors like the severity of the leak, the type of pipe, its accessibility, and whether it needs an emergency fix. On average, homeowners in the UK might spend between £50 and £350 for small to moderate leaks, while more extensive repairs can exceed £500.

Do you call a plumber for a water leak?

Leaky pipes are prone to breaking or bursting, and these little leaks can really drive up the cost of your water bill over time. So if you find a leak, call a plumber to fix the problem right away.

What to do when the pipe under the sink is leaking?

If you notice a water leak under your kitchen sink, try not to panic. The first thing to do is to turn off the water supply under the sink. Then tighten up any pipework connections and replace washers if they look worn. If you notice your U-bend (also known as P-trap) is leaking, you should replace it promptly.

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