Replace PVC in Kitchen

Background:

Recently got a new dishwasher and installed was a piece of cake. After running it a few times, we started to get an error and water sitting on the bottom of the tub. After looking into the error code, it identified that it was not draining properly. After cleaning out the filter, and then still having the same issue, I turned my attention to the drainage to see what may be the issue.

Will go more into the issue on the next step. This instructable will take you through how to remove and replace the PVC piping for your kitchen sink with dishwasher.

Note: By no means am I a plumber or a professional. If you are not sure what you are doing or are not comfortable with doing this, please seek a professional.

- PVC cement

- 1 1/2" PVC pipe

- 1 1/2" PVC 90 degree turn

- 1 1/2" PVC couplers

- 1 1/2" PVC 45 degree turn

- 1 1/2" P Trap

- 1 1/2" PVC T split

- 1 1/2" PVC Dishwasher connection

- 1 1/2" sink adapter

- Sawsall

- Table Saw

- Permanent Marker

- Bowl

- Towels

- Screw driver

Looking at the pictures, there are a number of things that I can call out as being done wrong.

1st Image - The left sink drains in the wrong direction. It comes down to the right before gravity does its thing and goes to the left to the P Trap

2nd Image - The dishwasher adapter is located in between the 2 sinks. From the picture, you can see how the grey hose from the dishwasher feeds into the pipe from the side. This should be coming from the top. When the Left sink drains, it flows water into the dishwasher.

3rd Imagine - Drain runs into the adjacent cabinet before entering the wall.

I like to plan things, so I drew out a rough sketch on what I wanted to achieve. Basically I want the left sink to drain straight down, while the right sink and dishwasher connect to it on a downward slope (this is important to make sure the flow of water goes with gravity.

I also planned on keeping the right side of the sink piping done since there is nothing wrong with it and will save me a few bucks.

I priced out what I would need and ran over to Home Depot.

1. using a screw driver, I disconnected the drain hose for the dishwasher. I let all remaining water drain into a bucket. Once done, place the hose out of the water for later.

2. Drain any remaining water/gunk from the pipes by unscrewing the P Trap cap. Make sure that you have a bucket under this as you will be in for a wet smelly surprise

3. Using the sawsall, carefully cut the PVC pipe. Since I planned on saving the right side as much as possible, I cut as close to the dishwasher coupler as possible.

Not 100% needed, however if you have a 2nd pair of hands, it will come handy here to hold things steady.

4. Unscrew Sink adapter from sink

5. Remove old PVC pipes

This part took the longest. Note - Dry fitting is where you take the PVC pipes and connect them together (like lego) without using the PVC cement - This will allow you to make adjustments before cementing it).

1. Using the pieces that I had, I began to measure out how much pipe I would need. It is okay to leave a little extra here as you can always trim it down further to fit

2. Using a permanent marker, I would mark where the cut would be on the pipe

3. Using the table saw, made the cuts

4. Connected everything to the sink, and did a dry fit

5. Make adjustments, and cuts as needed

6. Once satisfied with the dry fit start cementing.

For this step, you need to be careful, as once the cement is placed on the PVC and it is put together. They are together forever (there are ways to separate them, but it is a pain).

Starting with the right side, I began to glue the pieces together 1 by 1. Taking the brush that comes with the cement, apply some on both pieces where you will be joining them together. After applying the cement, push the pieces together and gold for about 15secs (or what the directions on the cement say).

Continued to do this until it was all done. I saved the P Trap as the last piece to put on.

Let it cure for 2 hours (or what the directions on the cement say).

Test by filling up the sink with some water (keep the plug in). Then pull it, checking underneath for any leaks. Do the same for the other sink. Once Completed and no leaks, test the dishwasher.

Once it is working, clean up working area and put things back where they should be and enjoy!