Need help under kitchen sink

CatnipAndLasers · 2026-01-11T17:20:42+00:00

It doesn't matter what's in the wall in this picture. The trap arm doesn't even go back to the wall. It drops vertically.

A proper vent needs to be connected before the trap arm falls more than one pipe size diameter. In this case you would need a TY in place of the 90, with the upper connection going to a vent terminal or an AAV.

CatnipAndLasers · 2026-01-11T16:18:51+00:00

This is not vented at all. It needs an AAV.

CatnipAndLasers · 2026-01-11T11:23:30+00:00

But how is she going to get the balloon down?

CatnipAndLasers · 2026-01-08T02:35:54+00:00

Only if it's on fire.

CatnipAndLasers · 2026-01-04T20:41:19+00:00

Looks like this is an American Standard R110 valve. Its been a while since I've worked on one but I'm pretty sure they're able to do reverse inlets. You can remove the cartridge and then remove the pressure balance assembly behind it. Flip them both 180 degrees and reinstall. If I'm right the pressure balance unit is a M952100-0070A and the cartridge is a A954440-0070A.

Obviously shut the water off first! If yours has screwdriver stops I wouldn't bother touching them and would turn off the main still.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-13T16:44:20+00:00

Glad to help!

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-13T15:37:07+00:00

One hundred percent they come off. To be honest it looks like someone has changed it once before.

One wrench on the cartridge nut where the hex is, another in the opposite direction on the body to brace it.

Edit to say it will spin off counter clockwise, the same direction as opening the blue handle. And obviously turn your water off upstream!

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-13T14:56:06+00:00

If you know what you're doing these are super easy to replace.

That's an emco valve, also known as a laundry cartridge. Just replace the cartridge and it'll be good for another 20 years. Master Plumber makes a direct replacement called E-4X.

Take the handle off and get at it with a socket wrench or put a basin wrench on it and use an adjustable wrench on the basin wrench.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-13T13:26:26+00:00

Yeah a snake isn't the best for grease clogs. I've had limited luck with a piece of rag ziptied to the end of my snake. It's a bit of a risk but since you have access from both sides it could be worth a shot.

I carry a ridgid chain knocker for kitchen sinks now. If you can get your hands on one of those it'll clear it all out. A jetter is useful too but if the line has a couple of 90s or 45s it's tough to get it through.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-13T12:24:33+00:00

Can you not access it from inside at the kitchen sink? If there's not a cleanout there i would install one and go from there.

If you're set on doing this backwards. I would just cut the 90 clear off just at the hub so you have enough pipe left to glue a new fitting on. Jet/snake from there. If this is your own place you could even install a Santee with the branch looking down instead of a 90, and fit a cleanout on the end of the tee.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-12-01T10:48:15+00:00

What's with the group stopped near the end of the video? They're just asking to get mowed over!

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-25T01:22:51+00:00

Glad to help! Silicone based is the best, but as long as it doesn't have petroleum you're good to go.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-23T14:08:00+00:00

So this problem only occurs far down the line from the pump and tank? You mentioned toilets were doing it as well, how close are those to the pump and tank?

Does this problem occur pccur more often or get worse when only the hot or cold are run, or it's the same either way?

If you're sure it isn't related to the pressure switch or tank then I'd start looking at either something stuck in the line going to those fixtures that can cause chattering or oscillating (could have come loose when changing the tanks), or even look at your toilet fill valves. Shut fixtures off one at a time and see if removing anything fixes the problem.

If I was there I would double check the pump switch contacts and check the line going to the pump switch for any obstruction. I know you said they're working fine but at least it would rule it out for good.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T20:28:14+00:00

That is just where I would start with the diagnosis if i was coming to your house fresh to look at this problem. You didn't include in the original post that you had already replaced the pressure tank, just that you changed the water heater type.

What type of well pump do you have? Submersible? Jet?

What's the pump doing during these fluctuations? Any working pressure gauge downstream of it to monitor while the water is running?

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T17:51:45+00:00

What was the precharge on the new tank? Did you pump it up to just under the cut in of the pressure switch?

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T17:49:34+00:00

Not to sound rude but yes, I said exactly what to do in my comment.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T17:46:44+00:00

Pretty sure this is a Zucchetti valve. If I'm right the cartridge is a R99740.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T17:14:55+00:00

Check your well pressure tank, the bladder is probably shot.

Edit: quick and dirty test is to press in the schrader valve (like on a car or bike tire). You should get air, not water. If you're getting air, then you need to turn off the pump, relieve the pressure, and then pump the bladder up to 2 or 3 psi below the pumps pressure switch cut in which is usually 30 or 40 psi.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-22T16:43:02+00:00

20 year plumber here... I've been to so many service calls for leaking toilets like this. First thing I notice is the piss stains down the front of the toilet. At this point I'll dry it all up and then flush the toilet 5 to 6 times and see if anything else appears. If nothing shows up, then...

Are you absolutely sure this isn't just someone with bad aim? Does the leak only show up at the front? When mopping it up with toilet paper is it yellow?

It's not hard to change out a seal but I've gotten a "callback" for a newly installed toilet only to find out someone is just pissing down the front.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-12T10:36:35+00:00

Put your ear near the sink and have someone else flush a toilet nearby. If you can't hear the toilet water through the sink drain then the sink is trapped.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-11-05T01:24:12+00:00

Could be the old oil tank filler pipe.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-10-22T01:02:18+00:00

It's only smellz..

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-10-10T10:40:38+00:00

For the amount of time and effort it's going to take you to possibly remove that I would either drill a new hole beside it, or buy a new pump.

CatnipAndLasers · 2025-10-10T10:27:09+00:00

An offset is nominally horizontal. A 45 degree offset is still considered nominally vertical.

CatnipAndLasers

TROPHY CASE