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Leaking Kitchen Sink Drain: How to Fix It

Leaking kitchen sink drain: How to fix it

We use the kitchen sink all the time from putting water in a pot to washing dishes and hands to throwing away food particles. It is always in use. Noticing that the kitchen sink drain is leaking can be frustrating and instantly you are thinking, how much will this cost me.

Do you see water and are wondering why do I see a leaking kitchen sink drain? There are 7 different areas you can check and try before calling a professional. Those are: under the drain for a leak, the faucet, a loose connection under the sink, clogged P-trap, damaged O- ring, washers that are worn out, or a corroded valve seat.

Let’s take a look at why knowing the reason the kitchen sink drain is leaking is important, how to find the reasons why it is leaking, other maintenance, and when to call a professional.

You Need to Know Why Fixing a Leaking Kitchen Sink Drain is Important

As mentioned above, the kitchen is a popular place in the home. The sink in the kitchen is always in use so a homeowner will usually notice if there is an issue such as a leak. You want to get this fixed right away before there is expensive and possibly irreparrable damage. This is one of many reasons why it is important to fix it right away so you can continue to utilize the kitchen and the sink.

Reasons Why You May Have a Leaking Kitchen Sink Drain

Worn out Putty on the Drain

This often is too thin or worn out and needs replacing. If you put the stopper or drain cover in the drain and fill the sink with water, then add a few drops of food coloring. This will allow you to see where the leak could be coming from. Then, take the drain or stopper out and look under the sink with a flashlight to see if there is a leak.

How to fix it: Replace the putty. If you need to replace the sink drain, that will be difficult and you may need a professional to help.

Leak at the Faucet

You may notice puddles around the faucet when the sink is turned on. If you do, this may be where the leak is. If you don’t see water by the faucet, then check underneath the sink.

How to fix it: Usually this means that you have gaskets that are worn out or failed washers. These can be easily replaced.

Loose water supply connection

Loose Water Supply Connection

If it is a constant leak, it could be an issue in the water supply as sometimes it can spring a leak. There are two water supply connections and you may not notice water leaking unless you look under the sink and the cabinet is soaking or there are wet objects.

How to fix it: Replace the gasket or tighten the connections and coupling nuts

The P trap is clogged

The P-Trap is Clogged

The P trap is under the sink and is curved at the bottom. It prevents the gases from coming up and out of the drain. Over time, debris that goes into the sink will fill this up and cause it to leak. Since it is under the sink, it is often difficult to know right away that this has a leak.

How to fix it: Clean out the P-trap or replace it if there is corrosion from metal parts. There is a P trap also in the bathroom sink. If either one becomes dry, then the sewer gases can escape. It is important to keep it unclogged so this doesn’t happen. Did you notice that there is no P trap and it is an S trap instead? If yes, then you need to contact a plumber and switch it out for you!

O-Ring Wears Out

The O-ring holds the stem of the faucet on and can wear out, thus causing leaking to occur near the handle.

How to fix it: Replacing the O-ring should fix the problem.

Worn Out Washer Can Cause a Leaking Kitchen Sink Drain

Most common reason for a sink to leak. The washers push against the valve seat every time the faucet turns on, thus wearing it out quickly.

How to fix it: Replace the washers

Corroding of the Valve Seat

This is the part that connects the spout and faucet and it can corrode because of water at the valve seat and spring a leak.

How to fix it: clean the valve seat regularly.

Interested in fixing the kitchen sink drain on your own? Here is a video on how to do that. If it is too much for you, reach out to a professional

Other Maintenance

Dishwasher Hose

While you are under the sink, make sure your dishwasher drain hose is not too long. If it is, tie it as a high loop. It needs to be higher than the water level of the dishwasher to prevent water from back flowing into the dishwasher.

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal can last 10-15 years if you are using it properly and only putting items that are biodegradable in there. Non-food items, nuts, citrus etc. all go in the trashcan and stay out of the garbage disposal. You may find that when you are under the sink there is water coming from the garbage disposal. This would be due to worn out gaskets, loose screws or drain line connections.

Check the Water

It is a good time to check the water to make sure it isn’t cloudy and doesn’t smell. If it is, it could be due to having a well, sediment, or water in the lines. Sometimes even a change in temperature can cause this.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you are not sure why the kitchen sink drain is leaking. It can be a number of reasons and may be difficult to figure out. Also, they are trained to help you in diagnosis and also in replacement, if needed.

Conclusion

The kitchen is a well-used part of the home and you want everything to be working correctly. Call Waypoint Property Inspection to inspect your home in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.