If you’ve noticed water pooling under your sink, you likely have a leak in the water pipe. A leaking pipe can cause damage to your cabinets, flooring, and other household items. Luckily, fixing a leaking water pipe under your sink is a relatively simple task that can be done with a few basic tools and some know-how.
The first step in fixing a leaking water pipe is to locate the source of the leak. The most common place for a leak to occur is at the sink drain, where the pipe connects to the drain line. However, leaks can also occur at other points along the pipe, such as at the joints or where the pipe connects to the shut-off valve.
“Once you’ve located the leak, you can begin to fix it. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may need to replace the entire pipe or simply tighten a loose connection.” said Dean Owens of Plumber Warragul.
Identifying and Assessing the Leak
Locating the Source of the Leak
The first step in fixing a leaking water pipe under your sink is to locate the source of the leak. Inspect the area under your sink for any signs of water damage, such as water stains, mold, or mildew.
Check the pipes, connections, and fittings for any visible signs of leaks, such as dripping water or corrosion.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, try running water through the sink and observe the pipes and connections for any signs of water escaping. You can also feel the pipes with your hand to check for any moisture or condensation.
Evaluating the Type and Extent of Damage
Once you have located the source of the leak, you need to evaluate the type and extent of damage. If the leak is caused by a loose connection or a damaged P-trap, you may be able to fix it by tightening the connection or replacing the P-trap.
However, if the leak is caused by a crack or corrosion in the pipe, you may need to replace the entire section of the pipe. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive, and you may need to call a professional plumber like Plumber Warragul to fix the problem.
It is important to evaluate the extent of the damage before attempting to fix the leak. If the damage is severe, attempting to fix the leak yourself could make the problem worse and result in more costly repairs in the long run.
Repairing the Leak
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you start repairing the leaking water pipe under your sink, you need to gather the necessary tools and materials. You can find most of these items in a hardware store or online. Here are some of the tools and materials you will need:
- Slip-joint pliers
- Pipe clamp
- Teflon tape
- Epoxy putty
- Silicone tape
- Compression fitting
- Watertight seal
- Shutoff valves
- Replacement parts (if necessary)
Executing the Repair
Once you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can start executing the repair. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Turn off the water supply to the sink by closing the shutoff valves.
- Place a bucket or container underneath the trap to catch any water that may spill out.
- Use slip-joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts that connect the tailpiece to the trap.
- Remove the tailpiece and trap from the sink.
- Inspect the trap and tailpiece for any cracks or damage. If you find any, replace them.
- Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the compression fitting and screw it onto the tailpiece.
- Apply epoxy putty to any cracks or leaks in the pipe and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reattach the trap to the tailpiece and tighten the slip nuts with slip-joint pliers.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
Testing and Finalising the Repair
After you have executed the repair, you need to test it to make sure it is working properly. Here’s how:
- Run water through the sink for a few minutes.
- Check the trap and tailpiece for any leaks.
- If you find any leaks, tighten the slip nuts. If the leaks persist, apply more epoxy putty as necessary.
- Once you are satisfied that there are no leaks, finalise the repair by cleaning up any excess putty or tape.
If you are not comfortable with repairing the leaking water pipe under your sink yourself, it is best to call a licensed plumber.