Leaks in your kitchen sink can happen at any time. It is extremely important to identify what caused the leak and then fix it to prevent further damage. Dripping water under the sink, damaged cabinets, and even mold can cause costly damage to your home, and you want to make sure to prevent this if possible.
Here are some common things to be aware of in your home that can cause your kitchen sink to leak:
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A leak in your drain
Usually, drains are sealed with plumber’s putty to make sure they do not leak. However, it can dry out over time or a thin layer might have been put on in the first place that caused it to leak. At times, drains may become worn out and beyond repair. In this case you will need to contact a professional to get it replaced.
The first step to figuring out where the leak in your kitchen drain is coming from is to plug your sink up and fill it with water, then unplug it. You can look around the sink with a flashlight to see where the leak is. Most of the time, you can fix the issue if you tighten the nuts where the pipes meet. However, you may also need to use the plumber’s putty, or you can fully remove the drain and repack it, apply fresh plumber’s putty, and put it back.
A leaking faucet
It is very easy to identify a leaky faucet. Usually, the water will puddle at the top of the sink whenever it is turned on. Sometimes the leak may be under the sink which would need to be identified by looking under it with a flashlight. Faucet leaks are caused by washers that have failed or gaskets that have worn out over time and need to be replaced. If there is a severe leak, you will need to replace the entire faucet.
Water supply connection that is loose
If you notice that the leak under your kitchen sink is happening constantly, you may have an issue with your sink’s water supply line. A lot of people will not notice that there is a leak until the cabinet under the sink is completely wet. Water line leaks usually happen due to corrosion or a failed gasket in the connector. You may either need to replace the gasket fully or tighten the connection.
P-trap that is clogged
The P-trap is the curved section of the pipe under the sink. It is supposed to help contain bad smells from going through the drains. It is usually hidden from plain sight so it may be tough for you to find a leak in the P-trap right away. The P-trap can get easily clogged due to small pieces of food and other gunk that gather in it. This will cause it to block the draining of water which can cause a leaking issue. If your sink is made of metal parts, you may experience a leak due to corrosion of the parts. If you face this issue, you will need to fully replace the trap.
O-ring that is damaged
The faucet handle stays in place due to a stem screw that holds it there. It also has a small disk attached to it called an O-ring. This is where most sink leaks happen. The O-ring can get worn out or become loose, causing your sink to leak around the handle. Usually, replacing the O-ring will solve this issue.
Washers that are worn out
Leaking sinks happen because washers get worn out. Whenever you use a faucet, the washer gets pressed against the valve seat, resulting in friction that will cause it to get worn out. The best way to resolve this issue is to replace the washer.
Valve seat that is corroded
The valve seat connects the spout and the faucet. When water collects in the valve seat, it can cause corrosion and the area around the spout will leak. Therefore, it is important to get the valve seats cleaned regularly by a professional plumber.
Basket strainer issue
The basket strainers in your sink are responsible for trapping large particles that shouldn’t go down your drain. If the strainer is loose, the basket can slip down into the drain and get stuck there, causing a stoppage and a leak. Make sure to check the sink-to-basket gaskets.
Continuous waste tubular piping
This kind of piping, which includes drainpipes and connecting pipes, can be prone to cracking or rotting, especially if it’s exposed to the elements. It can also be installed improperly; incorrect or irregular spacing of joints in the piping, for instance, can lead to leaks.
Garbage disposal
Sometimes garbage disposals can be the cause of leaks either internally or externally. The issue can be caused by many different factors, including things like clogs, cracks, and old age. Depending on the issue, make sure to get it replaced by a professional.
Excessive water pressure
If you have very strong water pressure, it can cause your pipes to burst. Improper water pressure can cause leaks, especially after the water flows through. This is an issue that needs to be corrected by a professional as the water pressure will need to be tested and adjusted.
Call ServiceMaster by Replacements When Your Sink Leaks
Are you experiencing a leaking sink? ServiceMaster by Replacements can help. Water damage can happen any time due to rain, flooding, humidity and even burst pipes or overflows. Our professional technicians can help with all types of water damage restoration no matter the cause of the leak.
For example, kitchen sink leaks may go unnoticed until your cabinets are water damaged. Therefore, we first focus on finding the cause of the leak, fixing it, and then drying out all your damaged items and restoring the area. We want to make sure to prevent any further damage such as mold growth, so you can rest assured that we will work quickly and efficiently.
For more information about our water damage restoration services in New Jersey and the surrounding areas, call ServiceMaster by Replacements at (732) 842-6917.
