Fix that Leaking Kitchen Sink

Leaks under the sink can cause a lot of damage, resulting in property water damage and even mold. Repairing your sink does not necessarily need to be a frightening process. Think you can do the work yourself? Follow this 3 step guide to make sure you do a proper DIY fix:

Step 1: Identify the source of the leak.

Oftentimes you discover the leak due to a water-soaked cabinet or floor. Before you can begin cleaning up the mess and move on, you need to discover the location of the leak in order to stop it from reoccurring. If the leak is due to a pressurized water hose, spray may be apparent, but if the leak is due to a drain line, it may not be discovered until using the sink. If a faulty seal around the sink drain is the culprit, it may be necessary to fill the sink and let the water stand stagnant to identify the leak. You must identify the source in order to properly fix the sink. Once the source is identified, you may begin to fix the sink and the leak.

Step 2: Begin repairing the identified source.

• Fixing Water-Supply Leaks
  The source of the leak is a pressurized water hose. There may be water spraying or dripping from loose connections or defective pipes, putting your home at risk for water damage. Tighten loose compression fittings to resolve the link. Hold the valve with one wrench and turn the compression nut with another wrench. If the leak occurs from the faucet connections, it needs to be repaired in a slightly different manner. Locate the faucet connections behind the sink and tighten with adjustable or locking pliers.
• Fixing Drain Leaks
  If the leak is from the P-trap then it may be due to loose connections, drainpipe blockage, or corrosion in a metal trap. If you tightened all of the compression nuts and the trap leak continues, remove and thoroughly clean it. If a blockage is suspected, clean the drain line with an auger, a tool used to remove clogs. If there is a metal trap and it is corroded, it is time to replace the trap.
• Fixing Other Leaks
  If the sink drain is leaking, unscrew it and repack it with plumber's putty. If a faucet leak is present it can usually be noticed above the sink but at times may drip underneath without being noticed. Depending on the type of faucet you have, disassembly and replacement of gaskets and washers may be necessary.

Step 3: Assess the damage, and clean up any excess water.

If the leak and/or repairs resulted in excess water, make sure to thoroughly clean up the affected area. Excess water can result in water damage and if left undisturbed, can also produce mold problems. Make sure the area is completely dried and clear of mold. Any damages need to be addressed immediately to avoid further deterioration.

Armed with this guide, you can restore your kitchen sink from minor leakage problems. Contact a professional if the leak is above DIY capacity. A professional plumber can help to repair any leakages you discover. If the leak was more than a few droplets and resulted in more severe damages, a qualified restoration company, such as SI Restoration, can help you with water damage restoration. SI Restoration's trained and certified crews are available 24/7 and able to safely remove the excess water and restore property conditions.

SI Restoration water damage restoration  cleanup services are available in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson          

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County 

Dundalk 

Essex 

Laurel 

Parkton 

Westminster 

Aberdeen 

Hyattsville 

Burtonsville 

Bowie 

Chevy Chase

Elkton 

Gaithersburg 

Rockville 
Germantown 

Hampstead 

Manchester 

Mount Airy 

Sykesville 

Takoma Park 

Upper Marlboro