How to Fix Leak Under Kitchen Sink Quickly
As time passes by in your living arrangement, there will be many issues that you will have to deal with. Some of these problems may centre around paying rent or fixing your utilities. Regarding the latter, your appliances may not be as strong as originally. Take your kitchen sink, for example.
One of the most common issues of a faulty sink is a leak. Leaks are an incredibly annoying problem that any individual has to deal with. However, the solutions are not as hard to find as you would anticipate. You need to find the source of your kitchen sink leak, and repair them accordingly.
Let’s learn how to fix the leak under the kitchen sink:
1. Find the source of the kitchen sink leak.
Dealing with a kitchen sink leak may be minor or major in scope. Those who would rather use short-term solutions to fix the leak are encouraged to do the opposite. Using short-term fixes will only allow the leak to rise again in some fashion down the line. To truly get rid of the leak, you should concentrate on the source.
Of course, locating the source of your leak is easier said than done due to the many sources available. However, do not let this discourage you, as you will be able to fix your leak in due time. The solutions you implement will be much more effective, allowing your sink to thrive again. If you have trouble with this step, contact a plumber to help you with the repair process.
2. Fix the drain issues.
As mentioned previously, various sources present regarding how the leak has arisen. When trying to locate one, you should always consider the sink’s drain itself at the onset. Drain leaks are a huge nuisance, as they can become quite vulnerable over time.
Inspect your drain by tightening the nuts where the sink’s pipes meet. Sometimes, all it takes is removing the old nuts and installing newer ones, followed by a tightened grip. In addition, you could also apply some plumber’s putty to the exposed pipes. This will ensure that the drain does not become weakened quickly.
3. Fix the faucet.
Although the drain is a common issue regarding kitchen sink leaks, it isn’t the only source. Your sink’s faucet can also be a problem to contend with daily. To begin the repair process, you will have to turn your attention to certain components inside. The washer is one area to focus your efforts on first.
If the washers are not as worn out as initially believed, turn your attention to the gaskets in the faucet. By tightening up these areas with your wrench, your faucet leak should be able to work as normal again. Sometimes, the faucet needs to be replaced entirely, but only if the leak is significant.
4. Fix O-ring damages.
Even if you believe that the faucet has been fixed to a tee, other hidden damages may be present. The o-ring, for instance, may have been ruined through constant use over time. It is the part shaped like a disc adjacent to a stem screw holding the faucet in place. Replace the o-ring, and your sink should have no more leaks.
5. Fix water supply issues
While the leakages could emanate from above the sink, they could also come below. Take the water supply line under the appliance, for example. There may be corrosion near or on the two lines present in some cases. These will have to be fixed as soon as possible before the leak becomes more significant.
Or, there may be a worn-out gasket in the connector component. Disassemble the lines to expose the gasket, and replace it with a brand new one. For the most part, this should return the sink to its previous condition, without the need to take further, drastic action!
6. Fix p-trap problems
The leak issues you are facing with your kitchen sink may also have to do with a faulty p-trap. The p-trap is a component found beneath the sink and works to stop bad odours from moving through the drain.
Since the p-trap is usually out of your direct line of sight, you’ll have to do some disassembly to expose it. Then, manually remove any deposits or buildup that may be stuck inside the component. Most of the time, this will allow the sink to work again.
7. Get professional inspection
If you have tried every option at your disposal, your next step is to probably call in the experts. Plumbers will be able to diagnose the issue and find the right solution. It may cost a bit more, but it is always worth it. Leaks will not be a pest to deal with anymore!