I get the appeal of flex pipe, especially when you’re dealing with weird angles or an off-center sink. But I’ve had a couple flex pipes start leaking after a year or two—maybe just bad luck, but it’s made me a bit wary. Still, crawling under the vanity to cut and re-glue PVC is never fun. Last time I did it, I ended up with glue on my shirt and a sore back for days... Sometimes you just have to pick your poison.
But I’ve had a couple flex pipes start leaking after a year or two—maybe just bad luck, but it’s made me a bit wary.
- Flex pipes are definitely tempting for weird layouts, but yeah, long-term durability is hit or miss in my experience too.
- PVC is a pain to cut and glue under the vanity, agreed. I’ve had to redo a trap twice because of a mis-measured angle, which was a waste of both time and materials.
- For me, the cost difference matters—flex is usually pricier per piece, but if it saves an hour of labor (and a trip to the chiropractor), maybe it balances out?
- Has anyone tried those adjustable rigid traps? They’re not as flexible as flex pipe, but I wonder if they’re a good middle ground for off-center setups.
Tried a few adjustable rigid traps, actually—they’re not bad if you’re just a little off-center. Still, if you’ve got a big offset, you’re back to wrestling with PVC or flex. Honestly, I’d rather take the time to dry-fit and measure twice than mess with flex pipes. Seen too many callbacks from those things splitting or leaking after a couple years. Sometimes the extra effort up front saves you headaches down the road...
Honestly, I’d rather take the time to dry-fit and measure twice than mess with flex pipes.
Same here. Flex pipes seem easy, but they always feel like a shortcut that’ll bite you later. I’ve had to replace a split one under my kitchen sink—ended up costing more than just doing it right the first time. Rigid takes longer, but at least you know it’s solid.
Funny thing is, I tried using a flex pipe once when my bathroom vanity didn’t line up with the drain. Looked great for about a month, then I noticed a slow drip—turns out the thing had kinked just enough to leak. Ever since, I just bite the bullet and break out the hacksaw. But here’s a question—has anyone actually managed to get those rigid pipes lined up perfectly when the sink is off-center, or is it always a bit of a wrestling match?
