When a sink leaks at one drop per second, it can waste 3,000 gallons of water in a year. Plus, that drip-drip-drip sound is certainly not pleasant. When it comes from underneath the sink, it could damage your cabinets or flooring. And from a plumber’s point of view, the problem with a leaky sink is that the issue can only get worse.
You should act in a timely manner when you notice a leak in the sink (or underneath it), and that means more than just putting down a bucket to catch the water. What can you do about a leaky sink, and when should you contact a plumber?
Quiet a leaky faucet with string
There’s an easy way to quiet a leaky faucet while you wait to get the problem fixed. We are not advocating that you put off sink faucet repair, but since it’s not an urgent matter, you may want to silence the drip-drip-drip while you sleep in the next room.
Simply tie a string around the end of the faucet. Let the string hang down until it touches the sink bowl or right at the drain opening. And there you have it: no noise!
Disassemble a Leaky Faucet
When a faucet is leaking, we usually recommend that you call a plumber. However, fixing a leaky sink faucet may not be too difficult if you’re someone who takes on a lot of DIY projects around the house. Be sure to set some time aside, as you may have to go to the hardware store to find the right replacement O-ring or washer.
- Shut off the water to the sink at the nearby shut-off valve. Open the faucet handles to let any remaining water out, and turn them off again before getting started.
- Remove the faucet handles by first prying off any decorative covers and unscrewing them from the base.
- Loosen the packing nut and pull off the stem of the faucet.
- Check the O-ring for wear that could be contributing to the leak.
If this is not the source of the leaking, you might need to call in a plumber for help, or you may need to replace the sink or faucet altogether.
Find the source of a leak underneath the sink
To fix a leak underneath the sink, you would first have to determine where the problem is coming from. If the cabinet is wet, you should be able to spot the leak right above this point. If you cannot find it, try running the water, first with the drain plugged up, and then with the plug pulled.
Fix a leak underneath the sink (or call a plumber)
If water leaks from the sink when it’s all clogged up, the leak is somewhere in the water line. If it only seeps out when you pull the plug, it’s in the drains. And if you still cannot find it, it may be coming from around the sink fixture itself.
A water supply leak may require you to tighten a compression nut, but be sure to shut off the water valve first. With drain leaks, you’re often able to disassemble the drain and patch it with plumber’s putty.
At some point, calling in a plumber is simply a better option. The plumbing may be broken altogether, and you may need some replacement components. Even if it can be repaired, a plumber will know just what to do and will already have the right tools!
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for sink repair in Livingston, NJ.