A variety of issues, such as a damaged seal, a loose fitting, or a damaged pipe, can cause a leak in the base of your kitchen sink. Some other common causes include:
- Garbage disposal
- Clogged drain
- Damaged water supply line
Here in this article, we will provide some steps you can take to fix the leak.
How do you shut off the water supply to the sink?
You must find the shut-off valves if you want to stop the water flow to your kitchen sink. Look underneath the sink. These valves are typically located on the hot and cold water supply lines that run to the faucet.
Locate the shut-off valves, which are located under the sink, either on the pipes themselves or on a valve box that is attached to the wall or floor. A handle typically controls the shut-off valves. Just turn the handle or wheel clockwise until it stops. Once you’ve turned off the water supply, turn on the faucet to ensure it’s not running. If it is, you may need to tighten the valves more or check for any other issues.
Note: If you can’t find the shut-off valves or are not working properly, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
How to find a leak under the kitchen sink?
To find a leak under your kitchen sink, you’ll need to do the following:
- Dry the area under the sink. Use a towel or sponge to dry off any water that may be present under the sink. This will help you see any new water that appears.
- Check for visible leaks. Look for any water or moisture on the pipes, fittings, and seals under the sink. If you see any water or moisture, this could be the source of the leak.
- If you don’t see any visible leaks, there could be a hidden leak in the pipes or fittings. To check for hidden leaks, turn off the water supply to the sink and then turn on the faucet. If you see water appearing under the sink, this could indicate a hidden leak.
- If you have a garbage disposal, it could be the source of the leak. Check to see if the disposal is properly sealed and tightened to the sink. If it’s not, you’ll need to tighten it or replace the seal.
- If the problem remains, hire a plumber to fix the plumbing system. It would cost you $80 to $100.
Fixing a leak under the kitchen sink
To fix a leak under your kitchen sink, you’ll need to determine the cause of the leak and then take appropriate action.
Here are some steps you can try:
- Check the base of the sink for any fittings that may be loose, such as the mounting nuts or the sink strainer. Tighten these fittings using a pipe wrench or pliers.
- The sink may leak at the base because the seal between the sink and the countertop has failed. You’ll need to remove the sink and apply a new seal to fix this.
- If the leak comes from a pipe, you must replace the damaged pipe. This can be a more complicated fix, so you may want to consider hiring a professional plumber.
- If you have a garbage disposal, it could be the source of the leak. Check to see if the disposal is properly sealed and tightened to the sink. If it’s not, you’ll need to tighten it or replace the seal.
How do you seal kitchen sink edges to prevent leaking?
You’ll need to use a silicone caulk to seal the edges of your kitchen sink. Here’s how to do it:
First Step: Use a mild cleaner and a scrub brush to remove any dirt or grime from the area around the sink. Be sure to dry the area completely.
Second Step: The caulk tube tip should be cut at a 45-degree angle using a utility knife or scissors. Apply a steady, continuous bead of caulk around the space between the sink and the countertop while holding the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle. Ensure to thoroughly fill the space, then use a damp finger or a caulk smoothing tool to remove any extra caulk.
Third Step: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time, as it can vary depending on the type of caulk you’re using. Once the caulk is dry, the sink should be sealed and no longer leak at the edges.
You can hire a professional plumber to diagnose the cause of the leak and provide a more permanent solution.
