Any handy people about? Need help with a basin U bend

[Gingernaut]

Is @PigletJohn about?

I have a very slow running bathroom basin and had the bright idea of taking the pipework apart to try and sort it out.

I got one connector off, so one end of the J shaped fitting is free and I've used a towel (capillary action) to get as much water out of the U at the bottom as I can.

However, the top of the J is stuck. I can't get it to move.

Ordinarily, I'd get a plumber's wrench and set about it, but the basin column is too close - there isn't a half inch between the column and the fitting.

I can't get any purchase on the fitting, it's completely covered by the basin column.

It is TIGHT! I cannot undo it. I've also confused myself about which way I should be turning the thing.

I've been squirelling away at the white, finned joint and trying to turn it to the left (green arrow).

Should I be turning it the other way (red arrow)?

Can anyone suggest how to get the fitting off?

Righty tighty
Lefty loosy

So green is the correct direction to undo it. No idea how to actually get it to move but I would try with a rubber glove on, a thick marigold rather than thin medical type glove. It gives extra grip so you may manage to get it to shift that way being as you can’t get a tool in there.
Good luck.

Thank you.

Also look for a rubber strap wrench. Also called a Boa or Anaconda. You will find them in places like Halfords. Very handy for undoing parts that are difficult to grip, like taps, jar-lids, oil filters and binoculars.

www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2505460.m570.l1313&_nkw=boa+strap+wrench&_sacat=0

It looks like the thread is crossed - as in the piece is not lined up properly. That might be why it's being a bit hard to sort out. I'd loosen first before trying to tighten

Thank you.

I bought a strap wrench and found there wasn't enough room to fit the strap around the joint, nor was there enough space to fit the handle.

Using a piece of dowel rod and a hammer, I finally got the joint to move.

I cleaned the u bend and the short downpipe (breaking off the 'easiclean' pop up plug doing so 🙄😳) and tried to connect it back together.

I can't get it back together again without everything and something leaking.

It looks like I need a collection of new washers - at least one is out of shape.

After a very ugly crying session, I have connected a hose from the basin tap into the bath and I'm just going to let everything dry out before trying anything else.

This has taken the better part of nine hours so far and I have no more time to waste on it for now.

I think you will do best to buy a new trap. If the knurled nut was damaged by being cross-threaded, it is very difficult to get it to fit properly.

You might need to buy a new waste and plug too unless you can match the broken part. I rather like the "clacker" type.

Sorry.

Yeah. Thanks.

I've been looking online for a new waste and plug.

They're not that expensive, but it's the sheer hassle of trying to fit it into such a small and cramped space that's daunting me. 😪

the plumber may have fitted them before putting the basin into place. Same with sinks and baths, it's much easier when they're lying on their backs. And taps.

I suppose yours is tiled into place?

Leave a bucket under it, you'll forget.

It's tiled, sealed and bolted into place. 🙄😧😪

There's a hose running from the basin tap into the bath (special single connector for hairdressers) and all the plastic bits are in the basin.

I won't forget. 😉

Just waiting for everything to dry out while I wait for next weekend to go out and buy more stuff.

You know when you're so used to everything turning into complete crap in your hands that you think something is going to take forever before it comes out halfway decent?

I was dreading finding and fixing the new parts.

It took less than 20 minutes in Homebase to find new fittings (40mm P trap) and less than 10 minutes to fit them. Like magic.

No leaks. At all.

I'm stunned.

Yay me!

Well done.
PigletJohn will have someone will now have someone to pass the baton to.

very well done OP, it's such a good feeling when you do it and it turns out well!

Three Cheers for @Gingernaut!

Aw shucks. T'wern't nuthin'.