There's nothing quite as frustrating as walking into your bathroom and spotting water where it doesn't belong or noticing your sink isn't draining the way it used to. While a lavatory sink might seem like a minor feature in your bathroom, it plays a much bigger role in your day-to-day routine than you might think.
From washing your hands to brushing your teeth, it's a fixture you depend on. So, when something goes wrong, it's not just a minor annoyance - it's a real disruption.
Why Identifying the Type of Sink Issue Matters
It's tempting to think a water leak is just a leak - but most of the time, it's more serious than that. A minor drip could stem from a worn-out valve, a deteriorating P-trap, or leftover damage from a past repair job. Finding out the exact source of the problem early on can save you from repeat service calls and extra costs down the line.
Curtis McGrath, a seasoned plumber, emphasized that attempting to fix a visible issue without fully diagnosing the root cause can make things worse because, in some cases, what starts as a routine blockage removal ends up exposing severely corroded drainage pipes that need full replacement.
Leaking Faucet
A leaking faucet is one of the most common issues homeowners encounter. This is usually because of a worn-out cartridge inside.
In many cases, the faucet might still be under warranty, especially newer models with lifetime coverage. But even then, you could still end up paying out of pocket if parts aren't easy to source or aren't covered by the warranty.
Price Range: $300 - $500
Drain Connecting to the Lavatory is Leaking
When the drainpipe beneath your bathroom sink starts leaking, it often traces back to the pop-up plug drain assembly - the part that connects your sink to the drain below. Over time, the rubber washers or seals inside could wear down, especially if the sink's seen a lot of use or wasn't installed right.
If the corrosion is minimal, a simple washer replacement may solve the leak. But if the bathroom sink drain assembly is old or badly damaged, a complete drain replacement is often the most effective long-term solution.
Price Range: $580 - $995
P-Trap Serving Lavatory is Leaking
A P-trap is that curved pipe under your sink, and it can start leaking for all sorts of reasons - corrosion, wear and tear, or even from someone snaking the drain too aggressively.
Price Range: $500 - $890
These traps are often made with thin metal, which makes them vulnerable over time. In some cases, clearing a simple clog can trigger the leak if the trap is already weakened.
Water Supplies or Valves Serving Lavatory Are Leaking
Water supply lines and shutoff valves are crucial for controlling water flow. Leaks here usually happen at the connection points due to old or one-time-use washers.
If these valves or lines have been previously disconnected and reconnected, it increases the chance of a leak, especially if someone attempted a DIY fix.
Price Range: $440 - $850
Blocked Lavatory
If your bathroom sink is draining slowly or backing up, a blockage is likely the culprit. A clogged sink can be caused by a buildup in the pop-up stopper, trap, or main drain line - often from hair, soap, and other debris.
Sometimes, even after clearing the drain, you may still notice slow drainage or gurgling sounds, and that's often because the vent is still partially blocked.
Price Range: $320 - $580
Stop Guessing, Start Repairing
If your bathroom sink is acting up, whether it's a slow drain, annoying drip, or mystery leak, it's time to bring in a professional plumber.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa, our skilled plumbers provide clear answers and long-term solutions. We don't just patch things up, but we also help prevent them from coming back.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa Today
Contact us today at mrrooter.ca/ottawa/ to schedule a service. Don't let a minor lavatory sink issue turn into a major headache.
