Dripping water from where PVC and Metal Connects

[exneophyte]

Hello all,

First time poster, long time lurker. Here's the situation. Under my kitchen sink I have a very small leak in the drain pipe. It drips about once per minute. Not a huge leak, but I'd prefer no leak.

The pipe configuration is a bit unusual I think though. The pipes coming out of the sink are PVC, but then it connects horizontally into a metal drain pipe that goes to the basement and then out to the main. The PVC goes into the metal pipe about 1.5" via a PVC connector that is smaller on one end. The water is coming out from between the PVC and the metal

It doesn't look like any putty, compound or adhesive was ever used to seal the connection. What would people recommend for stopping this drip?

I've attached two pictures that illustrate the configuration.

[pushkins]

That is a fairly common drain connection. Behind that big chrome nut on the PVC pipe there should be a nylon washer. It will be over the PVC pipe and as you tighten the chrome nut it wedges the washer inside the metal pipe causing it to seal.
The nylon washer will have a taper on it, obviously the thinner part of the taper points towards the metal pipe.
There should be no need to use Teflon or the like on this connection.

[exneophyte]

I actually do have one of those I think. It looks like a little top hat with the top cut off? Does that sound like it?

I found the cats playing with it when we moved in and didn't know what it was, but I kept it.

[exneophyte]

also, I took the chrome nut off and there is nothing behind it.

[HayZee518]

take your drain line apart and leave the chromed nut on the pipe. Take a tapered plastic slip joint washer and slide it on the pipe, tapered side towards the wall. push the pipes together and hand tighten the chromed washer.

[Redwood]

The "Top Hat" washer you described sounds like the type of washer that is used where the tailpiece connects to the basket strainer assy.

[exneophyte]

Thanks for the help guys! I put a washer in place and the leak is no more. I love this house, but it's had some really fun surprises.

My favorite one was the three way switch that had its wiring reversed(both switches needed to be down to get the light to turn on). The fun part was that that wires in that three way switch included wires featuring literally every color of the rainbow. While pretty, it made things a little more difficult. Fortunately, I've got a lot more experience with wiring and electrical than I do plumbing. You guys are life savers!

Thanks again

[HayZee518]

the mechanics of a three way switch are basic. one hot wire in, two travelers and one hot [switched] wire out.