If you own a home, chances are you have or will in the future experience the infamous “leak under the sink”! This is one of the most common plumbing problems that can be either a minor detail or a serious problem. Let’s take a quick look.
The first problem with a leak under the sink is that it may not be noticed as it is at the back of a rarely used cabinet. Many times, the result is major water damage before the leak is even discovered.
The good news is that this is normally an easy fix. Here is what you need to do:
First and foremost, find the leak!
That may seem silly, but the truth is that periodically you should check for moisture under your sink. That is the only way to ensure that you are catching the leak early.
Once you find the leak, check the shutoff valves and supply connections. A large number of these occur in these spots. The supply is the tubing that connects the water supply to the sink. Simply wipe the valves and connections with a paper towel and check for wetness. Voila, you have found your leak if the towel is damp.
Fixing this is also fairly simple. Just tighten the compression nut on the valve or the packing nut. If it continues to leak, it is time to replace the valve.
But what if the leak isn’t in the supply or valves? Well, the next step is to check the drain. The procedure starts with filling the sink with water. Drain the water and check the entirety of piping that connects the sink to the adjoining wall. Wipe the outside of the pipes and again, check for dampness. And again, if it is wet, you have found your leak.
To fix this problem, just make sure that the slip joint is tight enough and aligned properly.
If you have done the best you can and still can’t find the leak, then it is time to call a professional, licensed and insured plumber. Do not wait until your home has suffered water damage to take action. Find and repair all water leaks under you sink immediately.
Joe Rainford is an Ocala, Florida plumber who has been in business for over 30 years. He is available 24 hours a day as an emergency plumber and takes pride in helping his customers with their water problems. You can find Joe The Plumber at his website http://joetheplumberocala.com.
