Introduction
If you’re like me, you hate to call the plumber. Plumbing problems are usually easy to fix yourself, and if they’re not, at least you’ll know for sure what needs to be replaced. The key is knowing where the problem is located so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth fixing yourself. Here are five common reasons why your sink might be leaking and how to fix them:
Turn off the Water Supply
- Turn off the water supply. If you have an individual shut-off valve for your sink, turn it off at the fixture.
- Turn off the main water supply to the house. This is usually a large valve located near where your plumbing enters into your home. You can find it by turning on all of your faucets, then looking for which ones stop running as soon as you open them up; that’s where you’ll find your main water valve. When you’ve found it, turn it clockwise until it stops moving and stays put (you might need another person’s help with this).
Locate the Leak
There are several ways to identify a leak. The first is to look for small puddles of water on the floor, countertop, and walls around the sink. Leaks can also leave stains on surrounding surfaces that can be difficult to see from a distance. Water stains may appear as faint discolorations or large streaks along the surface of any nearby cabinets or walls. Additionally, these leaks can cause dripping noises from faucets and pipes under sinks, which will lead you toward your leak’s location if you listen carefully after shutting off water valves in your home’s plumbing system.
If none of these methods work for you, call an expert like Mr. Handyman!
Change the O-Ring and/or Cartridge
If you’re not a handyman, you may find that your sink is leaking because the O-ring or cartridge has worn out. In this case, there are two steps to take:
- First, use pliers to remove the old O-ring and/or cartridge. Use a pipe wrench or crescent wrench if necessary.
- Second, install a new O-ring and/or cartridge.
Check for Leaks
You can check for leaks by using a water meter. If the faucet is leaking and the pipes are also leaking, it’s time to call in a plumber. However, if only your sink is leaking or you see that there are leaks coming from above (e.g., through a wall), fixing them might be easier than you think! You can use rubber washers at each joint or purchase special faucet repair kits with everything you’ll need included.
Reset the Pop-Up Drain Assembly
The pop-up drain assembly has a stopper, washer and plug. The stopper is made of rubber that can wear out over time, causing it to leak. You will need to remove the pop-up drain assembly by removing the screw that holds it in place and lifting it up out of the sink basin. Once you have done this, clean any debris from around the gasket where it meets with the sink basin by using an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water or rubbing alcohol and carefully scrubbing each side of where they meet together until all grime has been removed completely.
Once you have cleaned your pop-up assembly thoroughly, replace both sides of your gasket with new ones if needed (they should come as part of this repair kit). Then replace your plug by placing it back inside its housing and pushing down firmly on top until you hear/feel a click when attaching correctly into place again (this should be easy because there are only two ways for this component to fit). Next take some plumber’s putty (or silicone caulk) apply some onto one end then stick it directly overtop both openings on either side making sure there are no gaps between them before pressing down firmly for about 30 seconds until firm enough so that no leaks occur later on down line due lack proper sealant being used at initial installation stage during repairs process.
You can fix your own sink.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to DIY, fixing a leaky sink is great for you!
- You’ll save money by not having to hire someone else.
- You’ll save time by not having to wait for someone else.
- You’ll save the environment by not having waste products go into landfills or become pollutants in our air, water and soil.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and fix that leaky sink today!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to fix a leaky sink, there are many ways to do it. You can try fixing your own sink and save yourself some money by doing so.