What Should You Do if You Find a Leak Under Your Kitchen Sink?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Check the cabinet below the sink for leaking.

What to Do if You Discover a Leak Under Your Kitchen Sink?

If you spot a leak under the kitchen sink in your Floral Park, NY home, you may worry about a costly kitchen repair. Flooding should always be handled right away by a water damage repair expert. If the leak is small and contained, finding the source of the water will help to determine the best solution.

Supply Valve Leak
Many leaks can be found at the shutoff valves and the connecting tubing. Most supply tubes have valves built-in which fasten onto the water supply pipes.

Wipe off the tubing and valves with a paper towel. A wet towel will indicate that you have located the leak.
Carefully tighten the nut on the valve to see if that stops the leak. If it doesn't, the valve may need to be replaced.
To prevent the risk of flooding, call a plumber if you don't have the proper experience.

Drain Leak
Fill the kitchen sink with water. While the water drains, wipe the outside of the piping that connects the sink to the wall. If the paper towel gets wet, you have located the leak. The slip joint may just need to be realigned or tightened carefully. If the joint still leaks, call a plumber to assess the situation.

Basin Leak
Water can sometimes leak through the space between the countertop and the basin. To check for a basin leak, pour a small amount of water around the rim of the basin. Check the cabinet below the sink for leaking. Removing the old caulk and applying new caulk to the entire rim area may stop the leak. The fasteners under the rim that attach it to the countertop may also need to be tightened.
To reduce the risk of water in a home, find that leak before flooding occurs. If you can't stop or locate the leak with these simple fixes, it's time to call a professional.