Gunk underneath kitchen sink (can I get the whole pipe unit changed?)

Daisy_84

ThisIsWeird said:

I referred to that collar 2 posts up, but have to say I'd assumed it also was adhesive. Are you saying you DO successfully manage to clean it, but it then comes back? If so, then I'd agree that there's summat 'gross' going on! Does it feel damp? Any 'wet' on your fingertips?

Could you take a close-up photo of it please?

Yes it does feel wet indeed and yes I successfully manage to clean it, only for it to have gunk again a month later.

Daisy_84

plumb1_2 said:

Looks like there’s small leaks from the trap, nuts need nipping up. Then test, then clean.

I think you are right. I want to have a proper plumber who understands and came and tighten the nuts up. 

Daisy_84

GDB2222 said:

plumb1_2 said:

Looks like there’s small leaks from the trap, nuts need nipping up. Then test, then clean.

This is the problem, isn’t it. There’s a small leak somewhere around the U bend, and a little bit of waste water from the sink is dripping down. It just happens to congregate around that collar. 

Just get someone in to tighten all the connections, and the leak will stop. There won’t be any ‘condensation' which is actually leaking water, and the gunk will stop building up.

Thank you. I need to get a local plumber who is reliable.

Sorry I hope this doesn’t offend anyone but I find the older tradesmen more reliable than the younger Dyno ones. I say this as a millennial myself!

GDB2222

A handyman can tighten that up for you, if you’re having trouble finding a good plumber.

grumbler

plumb1_2 said:

Looks like there’s small leaks from the trap, nuts need nipping up. Then test, then clean.

Or it can be condensation - not uncommon for cold mains water pipes. I used soft foam packaging film to insulate mine.

However, this doesn't explain the problem with plastic waste pipes. I think there is a small leak somewhere.

markin

I see 3 long term leaks, Clean the black spots and use a cloth to hold the nuts and tighten them up.

Daisy_84

markin said:

I see 3 long term leaks, Clean the black spots and use a cloth to hold the nuts and tighten them up.

Thanks. Please highlight the nuts for me because maybe I can tighten them without calling a plumber.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Daisy_84 said:

markin said:

I see 3 long term leaks, Clean the black spots and use a cloth to hold the nuts and tighten them up.

Thanks. Please highlight the nuts for me because maybe I can tighten them without calling a plumber.

just make sure all the knurled connections are tight, turn clockwise.

ThisIsWeird

Daisy_84 said:

markin said:

I see 3 long term leaks, Clean the black spots and use a cloth to hold the nuts and tighten them up.

Thanks. Please highlight the nuts for me because maybe I can tighten them without calling a plumber.

Doesn't matter if you call out a newbie dyno or an ol' dinosaur - they are both going to snigger into their sleeves when they see the task ahead of them. I barely exaggerate

Daisy, you can soooo do this. Grab the knurled collars nicely firmly, and turn them by a gnat's crotchet in the directions shown, all of them essentially clockwise. The worst that'll happen if you turn them t'opposite way is that they'll slacken, and that will quickly become obvious.

Expect to be able to turn them only an eighth to a quarter turn - you are just nicking them up a wee bit. BUT, if they are clearly loose and will take more, then do so. I doubt it'll be more than a half-turn, tho'. Turn them nicely tight, but don't strain yersel'. Then give them a good clean, and monitor for future drops - a wipe over with a kitchen paper towel is a good way to check this.

If this doesn't work, then - yes - you'll need a plumber or handyperson, as they'll likely need dismantling, cleaning, the rubber seals checking, lubricating, and reassembling. Or a replacement if that's easier - these bits aren't costly; the labour charge will be the biggest part of it.

If/when you call them up, tell them you have a dripping sink waste pipe that you've tried tweaking up to no avail.

Very good chance that you can sort this, tho', and once the drips stop, they are unlikely to start again. You will officially be an 'MSE plumber', and will have saved yourself - ooh - at least £50?

Daisy_84

frugalmacdugal said:

Hi,

Daisy_84 said:

markin said:

I see 3 long term leaks, Clean the black spots and use a cloth to hold the nuts and tighten them up.

Thanks. Please highlight the nuts for me because maybe I can tighten them without calling a plumber.

just make sure all the knurled connections are tight, turn clockwise.

Thank you 😊