Your kitchen sink is one of the most-used appliances in your home. You’ll use it for drinking water, washing dishes and so much more, probably multiple times a day. If you notice a leak forming under the sink, then it’s important to resolve the issue as soon as possible, because it can be a major inconvenience to have to shut the water off to the sink until the problem is repaired.
The first step to repairing a leaking sink is to figure out what’s causing the sink to leak in the first place. Here are a few examples of some of the most common causes of leaking sinks, from a plumber in Modesto, CA:
- Leaks in the faucet: A leaking faucet should be something you notice right away, because you don’t have to open up the cabinet under the sink to see it. You might have water puddling on the top of the sink around the faucet when it’s running. It might also be possible for faucets to leak under the sink as well. Most of the time this will be a result of failed washers or gaskets. Replace the washer or gasket, and you should be good to go.
- Loose water supply: The water supply line is what brings water to your kitchen sink. There will be two water supply connections, or three if the sink has a separate sprayer not attached to the faucet. If the connection between the water supply line and the faucet or hose is loose, this could cause a leak. The connection can become loose or damaged due to corrosion or failed gaskets, so replacing the gasket might be all you need to do if tightening the connection isn’t enough to stop the leak.
- Drain leak: The drain could be the source of the leak. Most sink drains are sealed with a plumber’s putty, but the putty can dry out and chip away over time. The leak could also be due to an old, worn-out drain that needs to be replaced. Fill up the sink while it’s plugged, then unplug it and watch underneath the sink to see if you can find where the leak is coming from. You may need to tighten nuts where the pipes meet, or add some plumber’s putty for a better seal.
- Old washers: Worn-out washers are yet another common cause of sink leaks. Every time you use your faucet, the washer gets pushed up against the valve seat, which creates constant friction that will cause the washer to wear out over time. Replacing the washer is simple and inexpensive.
- Corroded valve seat: The valve seat is the connection between the faucet and spout for the aforementioned compression mechanism. If water builds up in the valve seat, it could start to corrode, which will eventually result in leaks. You’ll want to regularly clean the valve seat to prevent corrosion from happening.
Curious about why your sink is leaking? For more information about common causes of leaking sinks, contact Alvarado Pumping Septic Service to speak with a plumber in Modesto, CA.