I'm in the process of remodeling my primary bathroom, and I've run into some serious issues with the vanity's drain setup. The double vanity has two sinks, and I'm pretty sure the old drain system was poorly designed. I've got some pictures of it here: https://imgur.com/a/zrCSU8Y.
One major problem is that when the sink in the hallway bathroom is used, water backs up into my vanity sink. I've confirmed that there's no connection between them, so it seems like the drains are somehow cross-talking. Also, when the drains get slow, it's impossible to snake them because of the multiple tees in the system—my snake just gets redirected to the wrong branch. The cleanout is also rusted and hard to get to with the vanity in place.
To add to the confusion, the wall has a galvanized pipe, but the connection in the bathroom is PVC. I'm wondering how to break and redo the connection from galvanized to PVC? Should I replace the tees with wye connections, and what's the best way to combine the drains from my double vanity and the hallway sink to ensure everything drains properly and is easy to access later? Thanks for any guidance!
2 Answers
You definitely nailed the issues with your plumbing! The main fix is to replace the current system with PVC, using proper wyes at each junction to ensure the flow is directed correctly. It's important to have an accessible cleanout after the new installation to make things easier down the road if clogs arise. Since your wall is open during the remodel, it's the ideal time to do this properly to avoid future headaches. Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions as you dive into it!
Make sure to consider any venting needs too! Proper venting can help with drainage and prevent future problems.
Your current setup seems like a classic example of what not to do! The use of tees instead of proper directional fittings is likely causing the backflow issue you’re experiencing, where the hallway sink's water spills into your vanity sink. Since multiple tees make it difficult to snake the drain, replacing them with wyes would definitely help. Also, I recommend swapping out the galvanized pipe for PVC or ABS and using a shielded no-hub coupling to connect them. That way, you can tie both vanity traps into a common line using a double fixture wye, and bring in the hall bath line with an angled wye instead of a side tee. Don't forget to add a cleanout on the new line before it ties into the stack for easy access later. It sounds like a hassle, but since you’re already remodeling, it’s the perfect time to fix this!
This. Also, don't forget to check where the vent for the plumbing is. You might need to address that too!
Thanks for the tips! I've got some experience with DIY projects, but plumbing isn't my strongest suit. This gives me a good starting point for the fittings I need to look for.
I really appreciate the confirmation and extra details! I’ll definitely keep you updated as I get started on the plumbing.