Introduction of How to Repair a Leaky Bathroom Sink
A leaky bathroom sink can be a nuisance as well as a potential hazard if left unrepaired. While some leaks may seem complex, many bathroom sink leaks can often be fixed with basic tools and plumbing knowledge. Identifying the exact location of the leak and its underlying cause are the first steps to stop a leaky bathroom sink.
Common Causes of a Leaky Bathroom Sink
A leaking bathroom sink can originate from a few key locations.
A. Worn Out Washers – The faucet washers around the valve seats become flattened and degraded over time under pressure, eventually leading to leaks around the faucet handle.
B. Cracked/Damaged Drain Pipes – Cracks in the curved section of drain pipe (called the trap) underneath the sink will cause water to leak out. These cracks develop from repeated stress or deterioration.
C. Faulty Faucet Valves – Issues with faucet cartridges, seats, springs and other internal valve components allow water to leak from the faucet spout or handle. Mineral buildup also worsens these leaks over time.
D. Improper Installation – An unstable sink base, loose fittings, lack of sealant/tape or misaligned pipes can all cause leaks at connection points.
Diagnosing the Exact Location of the Leak
It’s important to pinpoint the source of the leak before attempting repairs. There are three general areas to inspect closely:
A. Under the Sink – Get under the sink with a flashlight and scan pipe connections, the drain trap area and the shutoff valves for any water droplets, mineral deposits, discoloration or moisture buildup signaling a leak.
B. Around the Faucet – Examine the faucet spout, handle and base for drips or crusty mineral deposits which indicate leaks at the faucet seals or under the handle.
C. At the Drain – Check where the sink bowl connects to the drain pipe/flange for water droplets or mineral deposits that indicate a leaking drain gasket.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
If the leak is isolated around the faucet handle or spout, here are a few steps to fix it:
A. Replacing Faucet Washers – Replace old rubber valve seat washers with exact match washers. Turn off water supply, dismantle the faucet handle and unscrew the valve seat to access the washer.
B. Replacing Faucet Seals/Gaskets – For leaks around the faucet spout, replacing worn rubber O-ring seals or plastic/nylon cartridge gaskets fixes the issue. The faucet must be disassembled to access these parts.
C. Tightening/Replacing Faucet Nuts – Tighten the faucet nuts holding the faucet body to the sink. Replace corroded metal nuts for a secure grip if tightening doesn’t work.
Fixing Leaks Under the Sink
For drips originating below the sink bowl around pipe connections:
A. Tightening Loose Pipes – Tighten any loose slip-joint connections between pipes/fittings or at shutoff valves with adjustable pliers or a basin wrench.
B. Replacing Cracked Pipes – Cut out and replace any cracked sections of drain or water supply pipes with new pipe of the same size.
C. Reapplying Plumber’s Putty – Seal leaking connections by cleaning off old putty, applying new putty and retightening slip nuts with wrenches.
Fixing Leaks at the Drain
To address a leak where the sink bowl meets the drain pipe/flange:
A. Tightening Drain Nut – Tighten the drain nut at the bottom of the drain assembly using adjustable pliers or a basin wrench to compress the drain gasket.
B. Replacing Drain Gasket – Remove the drain flange and old gasket. Install a new sink drain gasket of the correct size and reinstall the flange.
C. Unclogging Clogged Drains – Remove built-up gunk in the drain trap using a drain snake. A partial clog can force water out around the drain.
Preventing Future Leaks
To minimize leaks down the road:
A. Annual Inspections – Make it a habit to inspect under the sink once a year and check all fixtures for early signs of leaks. Perform maintenance right away to avoid damage.
B. High Quality Faucets – Invest in durable faucet models made from sturdy materials and with heavy-duty valve parts when replacing a worn out faucet.
C. Proper Installation – Always follow manufacturer instructions for faucet models during installation. Use putty/tape on slip connections and don’t overtighten nuts.
Professional Help for Complex Leaks
For severe faucet valve deterioration or cracks in drain/supply lines, it may be wise to hire a professional plumber to perform repairs and ensure your sink doesn’t leak again. They have the skills to fully resolve more complex leak issues.
Conclusion
While a leaky bathroom sink can seem daunting, armed with the right knowledge on the common causes and repair techniques, many homeowners can tackle minor leaks on their own with basic tools and patience. Identifying the source of the leak, methodically diagnosing the issue, and following the proper steps to clean and replace worn parts will get your bathroom sink sealed up and drip-free again.
FAQ
How do I fix a dripping bathroom sink?
To fix a dripping bathroom sink, start by inspecting the faucet and drain area to locate the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from the faucet spout or handle, try replacing old faucet washers, seals, gaskets and nuts. For leaks under the sink, tighten loose pipe connections, replace cracked pipes, or reapply plumber’s putty. Leaks at the drain can be fixed by tightening the drain nut or replacing the drain gasket.
Why is my bathroom sink leaking from underneath?
Common reasons for a bathroom sink leaking from underneath include cracked drain pipes or slip joints, loose pipe connections, deteriorated putty seals, and a loose drain nut/faulty drain gasket allowing water to leak at the sink bowl-to-drain connection.
Why is my bathroom faucet leaking around the base?
Faucet leaks around the base are typically due to worn out O-rings or seals around the faucet spout that need replacement. Loose nuts under the faucet handle can also cause leaks around the base if they allow too much faucet movement.