Assessing the Problem
Your first indication of a leak is often a water-soaked cabinet or floor, or it may be a pool of standing water. If the leak is coming from a pressurized water hose, spray will probably be immediately apparent. If the leak is coming from a drain line, however, you might not notice it until you use the sink. Moreover, if the problem is a faulty seal around the sink drain, you may have to fill the sink and let the water stand before the leak becomes apparent. In most cases, but not always, the leak is just above the dampness or standing water.
Fixing Water-Supply Leaks
Water in the faucet supply hoses is under pressure, so it tends to spray or actively drip from loose connections or defective pipes. A common source of drips are shut-off valves with compression fittings that aren't as tight as they should be. The best way to tighten them is to hold the valve with one wrench while you turn the compression nut with another. Also problematic are leaks coming from faucet connections that are difficult to tighten because they are located in cramped spaces behind the sink. They are best tightened, not with a wrench, but with adjustable or locking pliers.
Fixing Drain Leaks
Leaks from a P-trap can be the result of loose connections, a blockage in the drainpipes or, in the case of a metal trap, corrosion. If the trap leaks after you've tightened all the compression nuts, it's prudent to remove it and give it a good cleaning. At the same time, clear the drain line with an auger if you suspect a blockage. You can usually tighten compression nuts on plastic P-traps by hand, but you usually need pliers for metal traps. If the nuts on a metal trap are hard to turn, they may be corroded, and it's probably time to replace the trap.
Fixing Other Leaks
If you can't pinpoint the source of the leak, it's fair to suspect the sink drain, which only leaks when the sink is full of water, or the faucet. If it's the sink drain that's leaking, unscrewing it and repacking it with plumber's putty will usually fix the problem. Although you usually notice faucet leaks above the sink, sometimes water can flow down the back of the faucet and drip underneath the sink without being visible. The procedure for fixing a leaking faucet depends on the type of faucet you have. It usually involves disassembly and replacement of one or two gaskets or washers.
Tel : 281-310-1882
