How To

How to Deal Kitchen Sink Leaking: A Step-by-step Guidance

Kitchen Sink Leaking – Kitchen sink leaking seems to be a common case that can happen. Besides, it may look like a small problem in your house. 

However, any leak can surely cause severe damage not only to the plumbing but also to the structure of the house.

Obviously, it would become serious if you do not handle it right away. The kitchen sink is one spot of the house that is most likely getting the leak problem. 

Likewise, that kind of leak could be easy to notice. In this article, you will get anything to know about dealing with the leaking kitchen sink.

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How to Find a Leak

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First thing first, you have to know how to locate the leak before dealing with it. Well, there are a lot of kinds of leaks you need to know. 

For instance, they are; drain leak, faucet leak, leaky P-trap, water supply leak, damaged washers, etc. Then, you will get the details about them later.

Mostly, finding a leak is easy because they are noticeable. For example, on the kitchen floor, there might be a puddle of water. 

That may come right from the plumbing in the kitchen sink. So, you have to check what happens right under the sink.

Why The Kitchen Sink is Leaking

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Homeowners or even plumbers will not be able to deal with the leaking problem when they do not know the causes. 

Furthermore, 7 reasons may cause your kitchen sink to leak. Then, each problem will need a different treatment to handle.

Drain Leak

The kitchen sink leaking at drain is the most common cause you can find. You can locate the problem right away. 

Therefore, just turn on the water and drain it out of the sink. Right after that, you may see any leaks during the draining process. If it happens, there it is, the drain leak.

The possibility is there is something inside that blocks the drain. In addition, the corroded or rusted inside can also be the problem. 

Probably, your drain did not get the seal, the plumber’s putty. Having it on the drain is better so that the same problem will not occur anymore in the future.

Otherwise, if the putty does not help in your case, removing the drain altogether can be the best solution. 

For a trusted result, hiring a professional would help. But before that, check the loose nuts on the pipes’ meeting points.

Moreover, that could be the problem. If the issue is indeed the loose nuts, calling the plumbers is not necessary.

Water Supply Leak

Similar to the previous one, this issue is fairly common. 

Thereupon, to find out that you are dealing with it, do the same thing as before. Let the water drain.

When you see a puddle under the sink and the water is not draining normally, a water supply leak is your problem. 

Also, the leaks will be constant. The cause is the faulty joint and pipe.

Sometimes, the kitchen sink has more than two water supply connections. The third one exists if there is a separately connected sprayer

Thus, the water might be able to drip due to these connections. 

So, some people will not figure out the problem until the puddle of water exists or the kitchen sink leaking underneath.

Further, another reason you have a water supply leak is because of the failed connector gasket. You have to replace it if the kitchen sink leaking from drain gasket is the reason. 

Hence, for prevention, make sure everything is well and tight. Buying new stuff is not necessary.

Faucet Leak

It seems easy to locate this cause. Thus, you will notice the puddle of water when the water is turned on. 

Besides, it locates on the counter or sink. Sometimes, a Faucet leak occurs underneath. So, you should check that out first.

When you turn on the water and it runs from the handle of the faucet, the O-ring should be replaced. 

Hence, it is probably broken or damaged. What is O-ring? It is a small disc that tightens the faucet handle.

This is very common in faucet leaks especially if it is the cartridge one. O-ring can easily get loose or worn out after using the sink for a few years. 

Therefore, installing the replacement right away is the best solution. Fortunately, it is not hard to replace. Do it yourself.

If you notice the kitchen sink leaking at base of the faucet, the problem would be in the valve seat. Then, this part connects the sprout and the tap. 

That is what makes the compression to the faucet. Also, corrosion and rust would be common to it. Thus, replacing the valve seat is a must.

Leaky P-Trap

The P-Trap is the curved pipe section. See this part under the sink. 

Indeed, it is the element that covers up the unpleasant smells inside the drain. So, if the area around your sink smells bad, this is a sign of a clogged or leaky P-Trap.

Sometimes, it does not have a foul scent. You would think that there must nothing wrong with the P-Trap. 

Actually, the P-Trap is leaking or clogged but you cannot see. Well, if you are not sure about the causes, you may need to hire professionals.

Over time, the P-Trap can get clogged. It is because of the disposed of food, gunk, and debris inside. 

Then, unclogging them with a plunger or chemical would get rid of the problem. It is not that hard. However, professionals should do the replacement if it is needed.

Damaged Washers

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This one is also a common cause of kitchen sink leaking from top

For homeowners who have been using the sink for years, there are chances that the washers become worn-out or damaged. 

The chances would be higher for a kitchen with compressions faucets.

Therefore, many homeowners prefer using the touchless faucet. However, it is obviously more expensive.

In case you do not know, washers are the rubber rings. When you turn on the water, washers will press the valve seal. 

That constant friction is the main reason it gets damaged.

If this is the case, the leaks around the spout would be noticeable. It is very easy to deal with, no need to hire plumbers. 

Just replace the washers by yourself. Then, purchase it from the nearby stores. Make sure the size is the same. Otherwise, the problem will not be solved.

Broken Reverse Osmosis System

Many homeowners love to have a reverse osmosis system installed in their kitchens. 

That is because they do not need to give the water filtration system constant attention. Hence, it only needs low maintenance.

Additionally, this is a cheap method for households to get fresh and clean drinking water although the system can also break. 

It would cause puddles on the floor and in the cabinet. Therefore, check the drips in hoses that connect the sink to the osmosis system.

Also, find the leak in the ice maker of the fridge and the water dispenser. If you cannot solve this problem properly, you could cause the kitchen sink leaking under floor.

Clogged Or Damaged Pipes

Compared to all of the previous causes, this one is the most serious. The sewage system is not something you can handle right away. 

This system can actually be long-lasting. However, there is a chance it may happen in your house, especially if the lines are old enough to be damaged.

This is a quite rare case but it can be happening. If clogged or damaged pipes are the problem in your kitchen, you might see a water stain on the wall right behind the sink. 

Thus, that is the leak you are searching for.

Well, it is going to cost more budget to solve the problem. You can search for professional plumbers to deal with this case. 

Moreover, do not ever do it yourself. You may increase the damage.

How To Deal with Kitchen Sink Leaking

Well, you cannot fix all those causes by yourself.  Apparently, dealing with them seems easy. 

Then, with the right materials and steps, you will easily fix the kitchen sink leaking problem alone.

Preparation to Deal with Kitchen Sink Leaking

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As you know, you have to deal with the leak according to the cause. So, make sure to assess the problems before applying anything. 

Well, the damaged, old, or perished washers are something that generally causes the leaking sink.

Initially, find out where the leak is from. Check all the things that relate to the sink.

You can check if the washers need to be replaced by filling the plugged-in sink with cold water. Then, the level will drop if the washers are damaged.

If it is indeed the problem, keep on reading this article. Before that, you need to prepare some of the materials needed.

Materials:

– Screwdriver

– Bucket

– Wrench

– Cloth

– Kitchen Sink Waste & Overflow Kit

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Step by Step to Avoid Kitchen Sink Leaking

Step 1

Before you begin, make sure the water supply is off. Find out the stopcock and turn it clockwise to stop the flow.

Step 2

To work in a comfortable area, you may need to remove any cabinet doors. If you do not remove them, it would block the pipes’ access under the sink.

Step 3

Get a bucket or a water container and put it right under the strainer. Make sure it is ready to catch any water that goes out of the sink.

Step 4

With the wrench, you can begin to unscrew the 2 compression fittings. 

Those fittings are there to hold the waste pipe in place. You can use your hand if it is not that hard to unscrew.

Step 5

Right after it is unscrewed, be careful with the water spills. Pour them all into the bucket under the strainer. Make sure all of the water is out.

Step 6

After that, pull the overflow pipe from the side of the strainer.

Step 7

Then, from the top of the drain, remove the strainer under the sink by unscrewing the screw. 

Therefore, holding the lower half of the strainer is necessary while you are unscrewing it.

Step 8

After it is done, you can take off the strainer unit underneath the sink.

Step 9

The top half of the strainer on the drain also needs to be removed.

Step 10

Grab the cloth and clean the area around the hole and the parts thoroughly. Make sure the whole thing is crystal clear. Then, be careful with the sharp edges. 

During this process, you should wear some protective gloves. Besides, you can see if there is a kitchen sink leaking around edges.

Step 11

Replace it with a new strainer. You can begin by placing the top strainer unit. 

Before that, you have to place the thinner, wider, rubber washer. Then, you can put the unit on it.

Step 12

After that, also place a rubber washer, and then the bottom strainer unit overlay it. Put them into the position under the sink.

Step 13

With a screwdriver, tighten the screw to secure them all in place.

Step 14

Reconnect all the plumbing systems under the sink. You might need a wrench to tighten the connection.

Step 15

Then, let the water supply flow to the sink by turning it on. Twist the stopcock counter-clockwise.

Step 16

Lastly, check whether the leak appears or not. You can get help from professionals if the problem persists.

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How To Prevent Kitchen Sink Leaking

Steps of prevention are also very important. If you apply these steps, you do not have to experience those things above.

  • Perform a check-up regularly so you will know that there is any problem with your plumbing system.
  • Insulate Pipes with exterior exposure which will prevent any freeze damage that could happen.
  • Keep storage spaces tidy, especially the one under the sink. When it is messy, it will be hard to notice the leaks.
  • Remember that most leaks come from a simple problem. Deal with it right away whenever possible. For example, any loose things should be tightened immediately to prevent bigger issues.

Conclusion

Finally, for those who are dealing with kitchen sink leaking right now. You will be done with it after performing what is in this article.

Sein Molyneux

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