You can buy 2-part epoxy putty from your local hardware store. You can use it on any type of pipe. Even if the putty stops your leak, look for a more permanent solution to the leak as soon as you can.

Silicone tape won’t stick directly to your pipe, but it will stick to itself, so it’s easy to remove later on. It also works on any type of pipe so it’s pretty versatile.

Clamps work for any type of pipe you’re repairing. You cannot use clamps on joints or corners since they won’t sit properly around your pipe.

Be careful not to overturn the slip nuts since you could easily damage or strip them. [5] X Expert Source David BalkanProfessional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main Expert Interview. 29 April 2021. Run some water down your drain and check if there are still leaks. If there are, then try tightening the slip nuts by a quarter-turn with a pair of pliers.

If you’re replacing the rubber gaskets on a slip nut, you’ll slide the gasket directly onto the pipe instead. Make sure the narrower end of the gasket points toward the end of the pipe where you’re making the connection. You can buy replacement gaskets in the plumbing section of your local hardware store.

Avoid putting the tape on counter-clockwise since it could bunch up or unravel when you screw the pipe back onto your drain. Do not use plumber’s tape on PVC or plastic pipes since it could cause you to overtighten or damage the pipes.

Some P-traps have a screw-off valve on the bottom you can use to drain it. Just turn the valve on the P-trap counter-clockwise until water spills out.

If only the J-shaped section of the P-trap is damaged, then you only need to remove the slipnuts connecting to that portion of pipe. You can leave the other pipes connected to your drain and wall. [10] X Research source Make sure no one uses your sink after you detach any drain pipes, or else water will spill onto the floor. If you want to, you can turn off the water supply directly at your sink to make sure no one uses it. Find the supply valve connected to the wall and turn it clockwise to shut it off. [11] X Expert Source David BalkanProfessional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.

Many P-trap kits are made from PVC so they’re easy to install and take apart, but you can also buy metal drain kits.

The pipe may come with a flanged washer, which is a round rubber piece that fits inside the end of the pipe. If your P-trap kit has one, place the narrow end of the washer inside the drain pipe.

You do not need to use any sealant or pipe glue on a P-trap since you’ll want to be able to take it apart later on.

If you notice your leak comes from where your drain connects to your sink, then you may need to replace the strainer instead.

If you have trouble getting the slipnut loose, then use a pair of pliers to get it moving.

Some strainers have screws holding them in place. If that’s the case, then use a screwdriver instead.

Bell washer sink strainers have a large bell-shaped piece that connects underneath your sink. Locknut strainers have a large threaded nut that holds them in place to prevent leaks.

You can buy plumber’s putty from your local hardware store.

It’s okay if the extra putty presses out from the sides of the sink strainer. Just wipe it off and throw it away.

If you don’t hold the sink strainer in place, it will spin in the wet putty and won’t properly seal. Be careful not to overtighten your strainer so you don’t damage it or your sink.

If you still notice leaks, then call a plumber to look at your sink.