It is expected to have an abundance of dirty dishes in your sink this holiday season. After loads of baking and cooking, having a sink full of dirty dishes is undoubtedly unavoidable. Imagine the relief after you have finished scrubbing that last pan. You place it on the drying rack and turn off the faucet, but a faint, or in some cases, a loud dripping echoes. You ask, “Where is it coming from?” You slowly open the cabinet beneath the sink and find the leak. Oh no! 

A leaking sink drain is the last thing you want to deal with, especially during the holidays. But things happen, especially with older plumbing. Here are a few things you can check for to prevent a leak. And here are some ways to fix that pesky leaking sink drain.

Of course, if the leak is too severe, professionals can always rescue you from disaster. You can trust Certified Plumbing of Brevard to fix your leaks. After all, we have been servicing the county for over 30 years! Entrust us with leak detection. 

Clogs in the P-Trap

The most common cause of sink drain leaks is clogging in the P-trap. The P-trap is a curved pipe that connects to the drain under your sink. It prevents sewer gases from entering your home by trapping water in its curve. However, when debris gets stuck in this pipe, it can cause a leak or blockage. To remedy this problem,  locate the P-trap under your sink and remove it with pliers or a wrench. Next, inspect it for any blockages or other debris that may be causing the issue before reinstalling it back onto the drainpipe.

Keeping your p-trap clog-free is an essential part of plumbing maintenance. Additionally, consider pouring some boiling hot water down into your p-trap from time to time to prevent any further clogs from developing in the future.

Loose Water Supply Connection

It’s no surprise that loose water supply connections can cause leaking sink drains. After all, this is why they are connected in the first place! But when these connections become loose due to wear and tear or even improper installation, it can create a significant issue. Loose connections allow water to escape the pipes, leading to leaks and pooling around the sink drain. This not only creates an annoying mess, but can also lead to expensive water damage if left untreated for too long.

Kitchen sinks often have two water supply connections, but if your sink has a separate sprayer, there could be another connection. If one of these connections springs up a leak, it can cause considerable damage as the leaks may go undetected until they have caused havoc. A water line leak can sneak up on you; if the connection is out of sight, it may be hard to notice until a soaking cabinet and other stored items reveal its presence. In most cases, replacing or tightening the failing gasket should take care of this issue before further damage occurs. Also, tightening the connection can resolve this issue. Just make sure to shut off the water supply before attempting any repairs!

If seals and gaskets have been compromised, you must replace them with new ones that fit snugly around the connection points. You can do this yourself. If you’d like to ensure the job is appropriately completed, reach out to Certified Plumbing of Brevard. We are available 24/7, which will come in handy during your plumbing emergencies.

Tightening Faucet Handles

The faucet handles are another common cause of leaking sink drains. This can be common if the handles need to be tightened properly. To fix this issue, start by turning off the water supply valves which are located underneath your sink. This will prevent you from getting drenched while you’re working on the leak. Have a screwdriver handy to remove the screws. Finally, reattach each handle after ensuring it’s secure and tightly fitted in its place before turning on the water supply valves again. 

Simply tighten up all connections using pliers or a wrench, be careful not to overtighten. To test your handiwork, turn the sink on and off, then hot and cold. One of the most common causes of a leaky sink drain is loose connections between pipes or fixtures. Start by checking for any loose parts or fittings near or around the sink drain area. If you find any, use a wrench to tighten them up until they are snug, but remember that it’s not overly tight. This should help stop the leaking temporarily while you move on to other fixes.

Caulking & Sealing Gaps 

Another potential cause of a leaky sink drain is gaps between the pipes or fixtures and their surrounding surfaces (e.g., countertop). To address this issue, start by cleaning away any old caulk from around these areas with a razor blade scraper or similar tool before applying new caulking/sealing material around them using caulk gun with appropriate sealant for your type of application (e.g., silicone-based sealant for bathroom sinks). Once finished, allow 24 hours for it to dry completely before testing out your newly fixed sink!  

Worn-Out Seals and Gaskets

Worn-out seals and gaskets around the drainpipe connection are a major problem for a leaking sink drain. Over time, these rubber gaskets can become brittle, which then causes them to break down and unseal. This allows water to leak through, which can become a major concern. Leaks can damage the flooring.

Worn-out seals and gaskets must be replaced. It’s important to keep the drains sealed from moisture in order to prevent mold. Pay attention to potential signs of leaking drain pipes and inspect them periodically in order to prevent bigger issues down the line!

A Corroded Valve Seat 

A valve seat is the sink part that connects the faucet to the drain. It looks like a metal plate and is usually made of brass or stainless steel. Over time, the valve seat can become corroded due to water exposure. This corrosion often leads to minor leakage around the edges of the valve seat, which can ultimately cause a leaking drain sink. 

If you notice any water coming out from around your valve seat, it is likely that it has become corroded. You may also notice rust stains around your faucet or valves, which is another sign that it needs to be replaced. Additionally, if you notice an increase in your water bill, this could also point to corrosion in your valve seat. 

Replacing a corroded valve seat requires some plumbing knowledge and tools such as pipe wrenches and screwdrivers. If you are unfamiliar with plumbing or you do not have the necessary tools, it is best to hire a professional plumber, like Certified Plumbing of Brevard, to help replace the valve seat. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your plumbing. You can trust Certified Plumbing of Brevard to correctly fix the leak . 

When to Contact Certified Plumbing of Brevard 

Leaking sink drains can be annoying, but with regular maintenance and vigilance, you can save yourself from a fiasco. You can stay ahead of it by identifying common causes such as clogs in the drain, worn-out seals, or old piping. Though, with plumbing, anything can happen. Remember that Certified Plumbing of Brevard is a local business trusted in the area for decades. And we are just one call away from fixing your leaky drain, 321-676-0812.