Leak under the kitchen sink? We get it, it’s annoying. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to remediate the source of under-the-sink kitchen leaks.
Take a look under the sink. You should be able to identify the source of the water. If you can’t, then you might need some extra help. Read on to learn how you can fix a leak under the kitchen sink and how Cleanup & Total Restoration can help.
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What Should I Do if My Kitchen Sink is Leaking Underneath?
First and foremost, don’t panic. This is a common occurrence for many homeowners, regardless of how long they have lived in their current property.
A great at-home hack is using plumber’s putty on open pipes. This allows you to stop the flow of water without having to buy or source expert-level tools.
Common Causes For a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink
While under-sink leaks may come as a surprise, they often occur for a specific reason. Blockages, clogs, or internal corrosion are just a few of the highly destructive pipe damages that cause leaks under the kitchen sink.
A few more to look out for:
A Worn or Loose O-ring
A faucet is held in place by a screw and an accompanying o-ring, or small disc that helps keep the handle secure. So, when the o-ring becomes loosened by daily use, you can expect water to leak through up near the sink’s handle.
Corroded P-Trap
Because P-traps are made out of metal, they tend to corrode over time. You can’t necessarily prevent this from happening, but being aware of it can help. Having a metal sink can exacerbate corrosion.
Corroded Valves
A well-oiled under-the-sink valve has a better chance of avoiding corrosion. Therefore, partner with a locally available plumbing service provider who can regularly lubricate the valve. You may need to replace the valve completely if it has been corroded from the inside out.
Worn Gaskets or Washers
Washers are a tool that plumbers use to apply pressure to pipes, keeping them in place and promoting intense water pressure. Water content around the faucet is a clear sign of worn washer(s). The same can be said for worn gaskets.
Inspect the base of the faucet to determine if any water is flowing out. If so, the gasket is severely worn out. All you need to do is call a plumber to replace the gasket, and your sink will no longer expel water.
A Clogged P-Trap
Grease, hair, and soap scum are a few of the common materials that clog p-traps. These materials bond together to obstruct water flow, something that, in some severe cases, cannot be removed at home.
You can try a few DIY removal or remediation
techniques, such as pouring hot water down the drain, to attempt to loosen these materials. Doing this once a week can significantly reduce the amount of hair or soap that drips down pipes.
Old Drain Putty
Most plumbers use plumber’s putty when installing a drain. Over time, this putty hardens and or corrodes in tandem with valves, washers, or gaskets. When this happens, previously sealed spots will come loose and leak.
Plumbers usually have this putty on hand, so consider reaching out to a local professional to reseal.
Loose Water Supply Connections
Improper sealing, whether due to a shoddy installation or age, needs to be addressed immediately. Any loose connection is an open door for water to flow through, spilling around your kitchen at a rapid pace.
Re-tightening the connection is the best way to avoid water exposure. Have a professional plumber conduct an expert inspection, as loose connections can be caused by multiple factors, including worn washers, O-ring issues, or supply line damage.
High Water Pressure
While most people prefer high water pressure in their showers, it is not a necessity for sinks. Sinks cannot handle consistently high water pressure, as it beats against internal pieces (washers, putty).
Do not allow your sink to continue producing high-pressure water. When you first notice it, call for help. A plumber should be able to locate and remediate the pipe issue quickly.
How to Identify the Source For A Leak Under the Kitchen Sink
Identifying the source of a leak under the kitchen sink can be as simple as listening or watching closely, just as you would typically do. Take a few more minutes to inspect the sink up close, as this could be the difference between temporary and long-term damage.
Here’s how you or a professional can pinpoint the source of a leak under the kitchen sink:
Perform a Flow Test
Simply turn on the water and let it flow for a few minutes. You’ll be able to tell right away if water is coming out slowly, inconsistently, or weakly. Then, move down to the area under the sink and check if the pipes are physically reacting to the water production.
If water is visibly coming out of the pipes as water runs, move quickly.
The Basin Test
The basin test is similar to a flow test in that it requires turning everything on to check if pipes are experiencing leaks or pressure issues. To perform a basin test, fill the sink basin(s) with water, remove the stoppers, let them drain, and then observe the results.
If your sink is next to the disposal or dishwasher, run these too. This will provide a comprehensive view of the interconnected pipe damage occurring below.
The Faucet Stress Test
A faucet stress test aims to see if the sink’s faucet is experiencing its own set of issues. Because plumbing is interconnected, damage to one piece is likely a sign of damage in the others.
You need a water pressure gauge for a faucet stress test. Turn off all water-fueled appliances in the house and head outside. Then, place the gauge on an outdoor faucet. Switch on the faucet and record the current water pressure. You can pass this information on to your service provider when they arrive.
How to Fix a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink
Don’t waste time grappling with the discomfort of water leaks. Instead, implement these easy remediation steps:
Faucet Leaks
The hard part here is removing water damage. Most leaky faucets require a simple replacement to stop water from freely flowing from a sink.
Drain Seal Leaks
Drain seal leaks can be remediated by this simple at-home process:
- Remove the old seal with pliers
- Apply new adhesive over the opening—a thin coat is just fine
- Replace the seal around the base of the drain
Drain Leaks
First, try tightening the nut that secures the drain in place. If this doesn’t fix the leaking water issue, you’ve got to go deeper:
- Inspect the Durian Outlet Flange to see if plumber’s putty was used to seal the area originally
- Make sure the rubber gasket seal is lying flat and intact
- If it’s none of the above, it could be corrosion, and professional assistance will be needed
When Should I Call a Professional?
If all DIY methods have failed, call us at Clean-Up & Total Restoration. We’re available in Boise to stop your kitchen sink(s) from leaking water at a quick, uninhibited rate.
All you need to do is pick up the phone, and we’ll send an expert to your home right away. Because we understand just how alarming sink leaks can be, we promise to locate and remediate the issue immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners’ insurance cover sink leaks?
If the leak is sudden or accidental, you can count on homeowners’ insurance to cover it. Look closely at the severity and source of damage to see if you’re eligible for coverage.
How do you fix water damage under a kitchen sink?
You need to have it progressively removed to restore the area. We are locally available in Idaho for kitchen sink leak removal, mitigation, and restoration for those who need it.
How do I stop water from leaking under my kitchen sink?
The best way to stop a water leak under the kitchen sink is to call a professional. However, there are a few DIY methods you can try after looking for signs of damage. Plumber’s putty may temporarily stop the leak.
Kitchen Sink Repair Boise
For over 25+ years, CTR has been Boise’s go-to kitchen sink repair service without the hassle. We make it easy to have your kitchen sink repaired at a rate you need, when you need it.
Need a quick repair service for your leaking kitchen sink? Trust CTR to get the job done.
