## How to Connect Pipes Under a Kitchen Sink
Replacing or repairing the plumbing under your kitchen sink is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.
### Tools and Materials
* Adjustable wrench
* Basin wrench
* Channel locks
* Plumber’s putty
* Teflon tape
* Hacksaw
* Pipe cutter
* Utility knife
* Measuring tape
* Safety glasses
### Safety Precautions
* Turn off the water supply to the sink before starting any work.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges of the pipes.
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Remove the old pipes**
* Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the old pipes in place.
* If the nuts are rusted or corroded, you may need to use a basin wrench or channel locks to remove them.
* Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the old pipes by hand.
**2. Clean the pipes**
* Use a utility knife to scrape away any old plumber’s putty or Teflon tape from the pipes.
* Clean the pipes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
**3. Apply plumber’s putty**
* Roll out a small piece of plumber’s putty and form it into a rope.
* Wrap the putty around the threads of the new pipes, making sure to cover the entire surface.
**4. Apply Teflon tape**
* Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new pipes in the same direction as the threads.
* Apply enough tape to cover the entire surface of the threads.
**5. Install the new pipes**
* Hand-tighten the new pipes into the sink drain.
* Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts until they are snug.
* Do not overtighten the nuts, as this can damage the pipes.
**6. Connect the water supply lines**
* Connect the water supply lines to the new pipes using a wrench.
* Tighten the nuts until they are snug.
**7. Turn on the water supply**
* Slowly turn on the water supply to the sink.
* Check for any leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts until the leak stops.
### Tips
* If you are not sure what size pipes you need, take the old pipes to a hardware store and ask for help.
* If you have any difficulty removing the old pipes, you can use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut them into smaller pieces.
* If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a plumber to do the work for you.
### Troubleshooting
* **If the pipes are leaking after you have tightened the nuts, the plumber’s putty or Teflon tape may not have been applied correctly.** Remove the pipes and reapply the plumber’s putty or Teflon tape.
* **If the water supply lines are leaking, the nuts may not be tight enough.** Tighten the nuts until the leak stops.
* **If the sink is not draining properly, the drain may be clogged.** Use a drain snake or plunger to clear the clog.
By following these instructions, you can easily connect pipes under your kitchen sink.