# Plumbing Experts Help! Sink Drain Problems
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [September 1, 2013, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756 "2013-09-01T21:03:28Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2013, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/1 "2013-09-01T21:03:28Z")
So,we put in a new vanity, sink, faucet, the works. I have to job of connecting the sink drain to the sewer drain.
Well, the new vanity is a different size so the sink drain is not in a line with the connection to the sewer drain. I now have a lateral distance of about 5.5 inches that I have to span to connect the two.
Please [see](http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a631/stephensells/photo_zps232e09c2.jpg) what I have accomplished so far.It probably looks pretty jerry rigged.
The problem is that this setup actually does not span the distance _quite_ enough so that everything connects straight on. The bottom most connection (between the j-neck and the metal sewer pipe) will connect, but it is at a slight angle and so it leaks just a bit. I’ve tried plumber’s putty and Teflon tape, no success. And yes, I used the appropriate plastic gasket things.
Does anyone know how to accomplish this besides paying a plumber $150\*?
I tried to use those [accordion](http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f22/3925d1149791760-flexible-fitting-ribbed.jpg) type connectors before the 45 degree elbows you see in there now, but it wasn’t long enough. I am thinking about removing only one of the 45 degree elbows and using the accordion type there, but I am a little skeptical of them.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
- Truthfully I do not know how much a plumber in the DC area costs, but I assume a lot.
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### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/2 "2013-09-01T21:06:22Z")
Use the accordion fitting.
I’ve had one installed for decades, never had a problem with it.
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### Author:  [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2013, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/3 "2013-09-01T21:13:42Z")
Looking at the picture on my phone the horizontal pipe into the wall appears to be 1.5" galvanized.
If this is correct then that pipe screws to a T in the wall. Pull the vanity open up the wall a bit to the right of the pipe and using the great ceremonial cheater pipe rotate that bad boy till it lines up.
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### Author:  [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2013, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/4 "2013-09-02T01:44:52Z")
I’m not a plumber, but I am an avid do-it-yourselfer. I’d use 90 degree elbows. That’s pretty close to how the “off” side of a double sink would be plumbed.
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### Author:  [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2013, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/5 "2013-09-02T10:57:30Z")
I’d go with Doug K.'s choice. Two 90 deg elbows, and a couple of straight lengths should get you over to the trap with room to adjust every joint nice and straight. You have, starting from the sink, Elbow, Straight, Elbow, Straight, Trap.
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### Author:  [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2013, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/6 "2013-09-02T16:58:23Z")
Thanks for the suggestions. I might try the accordion first since that doesn’t require me to go to the store to get more parts _again_.
If that doesn’t work, I’ll give the two 90s a try.
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### Author:  [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2013, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-experts-help-sink-drain-problems/667756/7 "2013-09-02T20:11:56Z")
i find it handy to start at the wall and work towards the sink. parts you put in place don’t obstruct your view. loose fitting parts and combinations of 90s and 45s can get most situations.