In this video i show you different types of tubular nuts, tubular pipes and washers and explain when you use them. From connecting your kitchen sink strainer, sink trap or even toilet popup assembly, you’ll learn the best parts to use to get the job done right.

The method used for connecting a kitchen sink strainer or a lavatory pop-up assembly to a sink trap can be accomplished by using a variety of light weight tubular pipe. I’ve seen it made of plastic in other parts of the country but here In N.Y.City the most popular material is light weight brass tubing which can be anywhere from 20 to 22 gauge in weight.

The nuts and washers used to assemble them come in a variety of materials and depending on the application you may decide to use one over the other.

When you purchase these tubular fittings they come with brass plated zinc coupling nuts which are not the best choice because in as little as six months time they then tend to bond to the threads of the tubing and the only way to remove them is by cutting them off.

The alternative would be to purchase premium fittings which are a heavy 17 gauge weight and come with solid brass coupling nuts. The only down side of course is that they’re super expensive and honestly they’re not easy to find. So with this in mind I’d like you to check out my video on how I go about putting the tubing together.

I personally like to use the beveled nylon washers over the rubber ones, but the truth is either will work. The key here is to lubricate the threads of the fittings with plumbers water proof silicone grease so the nuts will glide right onto the threads. Do this in conjunction with the beveled nylon washer or rubber and you’ll get a leak proof joint 99% of the time.

If you can’t find or don’t have silicone grease, use pipe joint compound it’ll get the job done. If you get stuck or are unsure about something in this video, drop me a line at info@bobsplumbingvideos.com.

HAPPY PLUMBING!