I’m right there with you on the “plumbing gymnastics.” Every time I try to line up a metal trap with an off-center sink, it feels like I’m solving a puzzle with missing pieces. The recycled plastic traps are a decent compromise, though—less guilt and fewer leaks. Still, I do miss the weight and feel of brass. Maybe one day someone will invent a metal trap that actually fits without three trips to the hardware store... until then, I guess we just keep improvising.
Funny how a “simple” sink install can turn into a full afternoon project. I’ve tried those flexible metal traps—honestly, they’re not much better than plastic for awkward angles, and the seals never seem to last. Brass is great, but yeah, it’s a pain to get everything lined up. At this point, I just keep a box of random fittings on hand... saves at least one trip per job.
At this point, I just keep a box of random fittings on hand... saves at least one trip per job.
That’s honestly the only way I get through these installs. Last time, the drain was off by like two inches—none of the flex stuff would seal right. Ended up cobbling together three different elbows and a slip joint. Not pretty, but it worked. I’m starting to think “universal” fittings are just a myth.
Universal fittings are definitely a marketing fantasy, at least in my experience. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to Frankenstein together a drain setup just to get things lined up and not leaking. I always worry about those slip joints though—sometimes it feels like they’re just waiting for the right moment to start dripping, especially if a tenant decides to shove cleaning supplies under the sink. Ever had one of those “quick fixes” come back to haunt you a few months later? I’m always torn between making it work with what I have and just biting the bullet, pulling everything out, and redoing the whole trap assembly from scratch. Curious if anyone’s found a brand or type of fitting that actually holds up long-term, or is it just luck of the draw?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had better luck with the higher-end PVC slip joints—especially the ones with thicker washers. I used to dread those “universal” kits too, but honestly, sometimes it’s just about taking the time to really seat everything and not overtighten. Had one under a kitchen sink last five years without a drip, even with tenants cramming stuff in there. Maybe it’s luck, or maybe I finally got the hang of it... but I don’t always feel like a full replacement is worth the hassle unless the whole thing’s shot.