How to Fix a Leaking Sink P-Trap in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta's soft Chattahoochee River water leaves very little scale, so a leaking P-trap here usually comes down to a worn washer, a loose slip nut, or a cracked trap. In the city's pre-1970 homes the trap may connect to an older metal drain arm, while the many homes built since 2000 have plastic traps that are easy to reseal.
📺 Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/agasVgr0cjM
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📋 Step-by-Step Manual
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Step 1: Shut off the water and clear the cabinet
Turn off the shutoff valves under the sink (or the main water valve if there are none). Clear everything out from under the sink and place a bucket directly under the P-trap.
💡 Tip: Take a photo of the trap assembly before you touch anything — it makes reassembly much easier. -
Step 2: Loosen the slip nuts
By hand (or with pliers if they're stuck), turn the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap counter-clockwise to loosen them.
⚠️ Caution: Keep the bucket in place — water trapped inside the pipe spills out as soon as the nuts loosen. -
Step 3: Remove the trap and inspect it
Slide the trap down and off the pipes. Check the rubber washers inside each slip nut — cracked, flattened, or hardened washers are almost always the cause of the leak.
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Step 4: Clean the pipe threads
Wipe down the threaded ends of the tailpiece and drain pipe. Remove any old tape, debris, or mineral buildup so the new washers can seat properly.
💡 Tip: Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around any threaded (not slip-joint) connections for extra insurance against leaks. -
Step 5: Install new washers and reassemble
Place the new rubber washers into the slip nuts with the beveled side facing the pipe. Slide the trap back into position and hand-tighten the slip nuts.
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Step 6: Snug the nuts and test for leaks
Turn the nuts an additional quarter-turn with pliers — don't overtighten, plastic nuts crack easily. Turn the water back on, run the faucet, and check every joint for drips.
💡 Tip: Dry the pipes with a paper towel and run water again after a few minutes — a slow leak is easier to spot on dry pipe.
📍 Atlanta Tips for This Repair
- Atlanta's soft water leaves little scale, so check the washer and the trap alignment first when a slip nut drips.
- In pre-1970 Atlanta homes, the trap may tie into an old metal drain arm. If it is heavily corroded, stop and call a plumber instead of forcing the fitting.
- Atlanta says a permit is needed to install, repair, or replace plumbing equipment. If you plan to replace parts, call the Trade Permits Division at 404-865-8550 first.
❓ Atlanta Repair FAQ
Do I need a permit to fix a sink trap in Atlanta?
Atlanta's Office of Buildings says a permit is required to install, repair, or replace any plumbing equipment, and it does not publish a separate list for small upkeep. Call the Trade Permits Division at 404-865-8550 to confirm before replacing parts.
Can Atlanta homeowners pull their own plumbing permit?
Yes. The City of Atlanta says homeowners may submit their own permit application through Accela Citizen instead of waiting for a contractor.
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More Atlanta Repair Guides
Atlanta Housing Context
Atlanta has two very different housing stocks. About 44% of homes were built in 2000 or later, from intown townhomes to new single-family infill. About a third were built before 1970, including roughly one in ten from before 1940 in historic intown neighborhoods. Those older houses can still have original cast-iron drains, galvanized supply lines, and small electrical services. Long, humid summers keep air conditioning running for months and add moisture to crawlspaces and basements.
Atlanta Water Quality
Atlanta's drinking water comes from the Chattahoochee River and is treated at the Hemphill, Chattahoochee, and Tom Lowe Atlanta-Fulton County plants. The Department of Watershed Management reports that its weekly hardness testing shows low calcium and magnesium levels, so the water is soft and leaves little mineral scale. Its 2025 Water Quality Report also states that the service line inventory found no lead service lines in the city's water system, though lead can still come from older plumbing inside a home.
Municipal Permit & Code Guidance
Some plumbing and electrical work in Atlanta may require a permit or inspection under local building code, especially anything involving new supply lines, panel upgrades, or moving fixtures. The steps below cover minor, homeowner-performed maintenance only — for any work that may require a permit, contact the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings before starting.
For this repair in Atlanta: Atlanta's Office of Buildings says a permit is required to install, repair, or replace any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC equipment, for homes as well as businesses. The city does not publish a separate list for small upkeep like tightening a slip nut, so call the Trade Permits Division if you plan to replace parts.
The City of Atlanta says homeowners may submit their own permit applications, online through Accela Citizen. The Office of Buildings Trade Permits Division handles electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits at 404-865-8550.
Permit notes last reviewed October 2026 against official city and state pages. Rules change, so confirm before you start.
Visit City of Atlanta Office of Buildings →FixOrPro AI is not a substitute for local code review. Always verify permit requirements with your local building department before performing electrical, plumbing, or structural work.