Repairing Guides

how to repair leaking kitchen sink drain

by Domenick Rempel MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How To Fix Drain Leaks Underneath Your Sink?

  1. Clean The Area. Start by removing all the items around your sink. That means completely clearing the kitchen cupboard...
  2. Turn Off The Water Supply. This isn’t technically essential because there shouldn’t be any water flowing into your...
  3. Disconnect The Drain From The Sink. Using a plumber’s wrench, twist the slip nut...

Part of a video titled Basket Strainer - How to Fix The Most Common Leak - YouTube
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Being first off remove the nut that holds the flange tail piece and the top-hat gasket to the baseMoreBeing first off remove the nut that holds the flange tail piece and the top-hat gasket to the base of the basket strainer.

Full Answer

Why is my Kitchen Sink leaking from the drain?

Kitchen Sink Leaking from Drain 5 Min Easy Fix You Can DIY a simple fix save some money on a service call and do it yourself with just an adjustable wrench this is usually caused by a bad seal between the sink and drain Use an adjustable wrench and disconnect the pipe from the drain and then remove the drain and seal.

How long does it take to fix a leaky kitchen sink?

Only need plumbers putty and a butter knife. The proper way will take about 10-15 minutes to stop the leaky sink from leaking water for good. When my kitchen sink started leaking I decided to shoot this do it yourself video while doing the repairs myself.

How do you fix a clogged kitchen sink drain?

The first thing is you want to be able to have access to your kitchen sink drain. So if there are products in the way just move them temporarily so you have unrestricted access to your drain. Most plumbing today is done with PVC pipes which most of the time you can take off by hand.

What causes a leak from the P-trap on a kitchen sink?

With metal sinks, corrosion can also cause a leak from the P-trap. It's sometimes difficult to spot a leak coming from your P-trap, and you'll need to check all the connections and pipes under your sink to be sure.

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How do I fix a leaky kitchen sink drain?

6:2717:40How to Replace A Kitchen Sink Drain Strainer, Repair Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore we tighten it down and when we start to tighten you'll see more of the plumber's putty hereMoreBefore we tighten it down and when we start to tighten you'll see more of the plumber's putty here oozing. Around. Okay so here's the way we're going to attach this now on the underside of the drain.

Why is my kitchen sink drain leaking?

One common reason kitchen sink drains tend to leak is that the putty is old. Plumber's putty seals drains to hold pipes together and prevent leaks. This putty can wear and become thin or brittle as time goes on. Replacing the putty on your sink is an easy first step to troubleshooting the issue.

Do I need plumbers putty for kitchen sink drain?

If you need to stop or prevent leaks around your faucet, sink or tub drains − plumber's putty is the product you need.

What is a good sealant for sink drains?

A clay-like substance called plumber's putty is the most popular choice for sealing sink drains, but you can also use silicone caulk.Most Popular: Plumber's Putty.Plumber's Putty Installation.Alternative: Silicone Caulk.Silicone Caulk Installation.

Should I use silicone or plumbers putty for sink drain?

Plumbers Putty or Silicone for Sink Drain You can use silicone caulk or plumber's putty to seal sink drains. Plumber's putty may crack and cause leaks as the clay dries out with time. But it's the preferred choice of sealant if you'll be adjusting or removing the drain.

Is a rubber gasket better than plumbers putty?

Generally, it's better to use rubber gaskets on sink drains than plumber's putty. Why? Well, you'll likely run boiling water and reasonably cold water in the sink, whether you're washing dishes, getting water, or rinsing vegetables.

Will plumbers putty stop a leak?

The best place is with one of the most common tools professional plumbers use. Plumber's putty can help fix the leaks that spring from plumbing fixtures around the home.

Can you use silicone on kitchen sink drain?

Sealing around kitchen sinks or sealing a sink drain with silicone will keep your sink in good condition and prevent future problems. Using a high quality, waterproof sealant prevents water and debris from entering the gaps.

Can I use pipe thread sealant instead of plumbers putty?

Plumber's putty is commonly used under kitchen sinks to seal the area between the sink edge and the counter top, and on sink and tub drains. While pipe dope is used on pipe threads where there is pressure, plumber's putty is generally used to fill gaps in drains and on sinks.

Can I use plumbers putty on plastic drain?

Plumber's Putty: Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT the plumber's “duct tape”; plumber's putty is a malleable substance used as a sealant for plumbing fixtures to aid against water exposure. -DO NOT use plumber's putty on plastic or metal threaded pipes to seal between joints.

When should you not use plumbers putty?

Do not use plumber's putty where you need adhesive strength (to bond materials or prevent them from moving) or where you need a watertight seal in exposed areas.

How do you seal a kitchen sink drain with plumbers putty?

1:385:22TIPS on using plumbers putty to seal kitchen sink basket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom the sink and the metal on the drain to touch because once that happens you're no longer you'reMoreFrom the sink and the metal on the drain to touch because once that happens you're no longer you're gonna have the seal. And it's gonna be able so now we're gonna go ahead and put this rubber ring.

How important is plumbers putty?

The importance of plumber's putty. The plumbers work with the putty because it remains soft for a long time in sealing the joints to prevent water from leaking, this makes the putty stand above the silicone and other types of caulk.

Where do you put plumbers putty on a sink?

0:536:12How To Use Plumber's Putty - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo the flange.MoreTo the flange.

Can you use plumber’s putty to stop a leak?

Plumbers putty is used as a sealant to prevent leaks. You can use it to stop leaks in a specific area, but you will need to find the root cause (wh...

When should you not use plumbers’ putty?

Plumber’s putty is used as a sealant and not an adhesive. Don’t use plumber’s putty just to hold a pipe or component in place.

What do plumbers use to seal pipes?

There are many different sealants available. Plumber’s putty is commonly used, but you can also use tape or thread.

How much will a plumber charge to fix a leaky kitchen drain?

Repairing a leaky drain can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on your location and the type of drain you have. Therefore properly maintai...

Should I replace a strainer?

If you are replacing the whole strainer and I really suggest you do it because it is not very expensive and will avoid problems in the future. If not go to the next section.

Can you take off a PVC pipe by hand?

Most plumbing today is done with PVC pipes which most of the time you can take off by hand. But if by chance your plumbing has not been upgraded this is where you will need your adjustable wrench. Just get it tight around the slip nut and give it twist counter clock wise. Kitchen Sink Leaking From Drain. PRO TIP: When Taking this apart keep all the ...

How To Fix Drain Leaks Underneath Your Sink?

If your drain is leaking, then you’ll usually need to replace at least some of the parts, and we’ve provided a step-by-step guide below to fix your drain from underneath.

How much does it cost to fix a kitchen sink drain?

Repairing a leaky drain can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on your location and the type of drain you have. Therefore properly maintaining and protecting your kitchen sink drain can save you a lot of money.

Why is my drain leaking?

Drain leaks can be a result of improper installation or if there's not enough plumbers putty to seal it up. It could also just be because the drain is old and needs to be replaced. The good news is that if your drain is plumbed correctly, it's unlikely to be an issue. The bad news is that a drain leak could mean you need professional help.

Why does my kitchen faucet leak?

A leaky kitchen faucet is one of the easier issues to spot, and often water will pool at the top of the sink when you turn the faucet on. You might also notice the faucet dripping, or even see a leak underneath the sink. Generally, this is caused by a worn-out gasket or potentially a failed or damaged washer. Both issues are fairly easy and inexpensive to fix.

What is the O ring on a faucet?

The O-ring is a small disk that is the part of the sink that helps hold the faucet in place. Over time the O-ring can become worn or loose, and this can cause a leak from your handle.

Why does my faucet leak?

Your washer gets pressed into your valve seat every time you use your faucet, and the friction caused can damage the washer. Over time it will become worn out, and this can lead to leaking. This is one of the most common causes of a leaking sink, so it's worth checking this first.

Why does my sink leak water?

A leak in these water lines can be caused by a failed gasket, but it can also be caused by corrosion in some cases.

What to do if you still notice a leak in your sink?

If you still notice leaks, then call a plumber to look at your sink.

How to check for leaks in sink?

Run some water through the drain to check for leaks. Plug your sink and fill it up with a little bit of water from your faucet. Check underneath your sink to make sure there isn’t any water dripping underneath. Then, unplug your drain and let the water drain out. Watch your pipes to make sure there aren’t any leaks.

How to loosen a sink strainer?

Turn the locknut clockwise to loosen it. Keep unscrewing the locknut until it drops away from your sink. After that, just grab and pull the strainer straight out from the top of your sink.

How to fix a leaky pipe?

Apply a 2-part epoxy putty for the most durable temporary fix. A 2-part epoxy putty is made up of a base and a hardener that solidify around your pipe when they’re mixed together. Just knead both putties in your hand until they’re thoroughly combined. Then, press the putty onto the section of pipe that’s leaking so it’s about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Leave the putty to cure for the amount of time listed on the packaging before running water through your drain again.

What to do if you don't feel comfortable working on your pipes?

If you don’t feel comfortable working on the pipes yourself, contact a professional plumber to ensure your drain gets fixed properly.

What to do if a P trap is damaged?

If only the J-shaped section of the P-trap is damaged, then you only need to remove the slipnuts connecting to that portion of pipe. You can leave the other pipes connected to your drain and wall.

How to replace rubber gasket on slip nut?

If you’re replacing the rubber gaskets on a slip nut, you’ll slide the gasket directly onto the pipe instead. Make sure the narrower end of the gasket points toward the end of the pipe where you’re making the connection.

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