What plumbing issue is more frustrating yet as relatable as a leak under a kitchen sink? Not much. At some point in being a Toronto homeowner, you will encounter this specific problem. And while it may seem like a big deal at first glance, it can be relatively simple to fix a leaking kitchen sink. All you need is a couple of tools, time, and an effective guide brought to you by our Toronto plumbers.
Nobody likes to walk up to their kitchen sink and step into a puddle of water. For one, you get soggy socks, and nobody likes soggy socks. Two, leaks can be extremely costly for a variety of reasons, like water damage to your flooring and kitchen sink cabinets, which can lead to mould growth and even structural problems. And finally, if you can't accurately locate the leak, you know how much you could be spending on water bills? Identifying and taking the appropriate steps to fix the leak under your kitchen sink can save you money and a whole lot of hassle.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto ON knows how to fix leaks under kitchen sinks, and as the most reliable plumbing company in the city, we thought we would shed some of our expert tips and techniques to help homeowners fix the problem before it gets worse. From finding out why it's leaking underneath your kitchen sink to understanding the necessary steps involved in a DIY fix, we aim to empower you with the knowledge to remedy the situation as well as prevent leaks from occurring in the future.
Why You Have an Under-the-Kitchen-Sink Leak
There are a variety of reasons for having an under-the-kitchen-sink leak. As you kneel down with a flashlight and examine the pipes, you begin to realize that it could be literally anything. But to narrow it down for you, here are some of the most common reasons for a leak under the sink:
- Drain leaks: Having a leaky drain pipe is by far the most common reason for a leak under your kitchen sink. When your drain pipe is leaking, it may indicate that your plumbing system has shifted or become loose, your pipes have corroded, or there are worn-out connections. These problems allow the water to escape slowly and steadily as you continue using your kitchen sink.
- Kitchen faucet and seal leaks: If you have loose or defective faucets, or weaknesses in the faucet-to-sink seals, water will drip into your cabinet below.
- An issue with sprayers or the main water supply line: Another probable source of the leak could be from a defective sprayer or even an issue with your home's water line. Your main water supply can corrode and become loose over time, and as this happens, it can begin to leak, causing water to flow into unwanted areas, like underneath your sink.
- Worn-out parts: If your water valve has corroded, or if your O-rings get damaged, or if gaskets or washers get worn out, it will cause a leak under the kitchen sink. Since these parts are responsible for maintaining a tight seal, any deterioration can cause water to pool underneath. With continual use of the faucet, the seemingly small leak can escalate into a major problem right away.
- P-trap and drain components: The P-trap can develop leaks from drain clogs, loose connections, or even pipe corrosion. Furthermore, drain components like basket strainers can crack or become weak over time.
- High water pressure: If you are noticing high pressure in your home, it could be due to an under-the-kitchen leak. You see, high water pressure exerts a lot of pressure on pipes, and under all that pressure, the pipe can weaken and develop leaks.
- Deteriorating putty: The caulk or putty around your kitchen sink or drain can deteriorate, allowing water to seep into your cabinet below. Caulk or putty creates a seal, so when this seal is weakened, water can escape.
Now that you are aware of a few of the potential sources of a leak, we can move into how to fix a leak under the kitchen sink. Grab some tools, gloves, and a flashlight, and you too can play plumber for the day!
1. Identifying the Source of Leak
First things first, when discovering a leak under your kitchen, the first step is to identify the cause of the leak. Start by checking where the water leak is coming from. Is it from the water supply line? The drain pipes? Remember those parts we mentioned above? Check the P-trap, loose slip nuts, or worn gaskets. Once you have found the source of the leaky sink, you will want to turn off the water supply and gather the necessary tools for the repair.
2. Tighten the Loose Connections
If you find that there are components loose, you will want to gently tighten the slip nuts on the drain pipes and P-trap. Be careful not to overtighten the connections, as this can cause cracking in the pipes. But before you use a wrench to tighten loose connections, ensure your pipes are properly aligned to prevent additional stress on the fittings.
3. Troubleshooting Leaks Under Kitchen Sinks
Now, you're going to check if tightening loose connections helped with the leak under your kitchen sink. Turn on your faucet and run water for a couple of minutes. As the water runs, check for any drips or excess water under your kitchen sink. You will likely have to do this repeatedly to ensure that the connections are secure and that the leaky kitchen sink has been effectively resolved.
4. Replacing What is Worn Out
It's possible that certain parts of your kitchen sink are worn out, and rather than tightening them, they need to be replaced altogether. It's very possible that the gasket or washer inside the slip nut needs replacement, which you can find in local hardware stores. If you notice rust, cracks, or significant damage to the pipe, it's best to call a plumber for help.
Struggling with a Leak Under Your Kitchen Sink? Toronto Homeowners Can Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto ON understands that a leak under a kitchen sink is a common yet frustrating problem that can lead to costly water damage when not handled promptly. If using this guide didn't stop the leak, our plumbers are happy to come and assess the situation. With high-quality tools and techniques for repairing this issue, we are just one phone call away. We can help you with a brand-new sink installation, faucet repair, pipe repair, and more.
Contact us today if you need help with a kitchen sink leaking underneath, and let us provide you with a long-lasting solution.
