Why Is My Kitchen Sink Leaking And When Do I Need A Plumbing Company To Fix It? | Bedford, TX
The kitchen sink is undoubtedly one of the most used areas of any household. Whether you want to fill a kettle, fetch a glass of water or clean the dishes, the sink is your go-to. Due to its versatility, it can be very frustrating to realize that your kitchen sink is leaking.
At Tioga Plumbing & Electric, we are a renowned plumbing company that deals with this sort of issue all the time. In this piece, we share with you the common causes of kitchen sink leaks and what can be done to fix the problem.
Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Leaks
Drain Leak
One of the leading causes of a kitchen sink leak is the drain. Usually, a plumber seals the drain using putty to prevent any leaks. However, the putty may dry out over time or have a layer that is too thin. Over time, the drain may also become old and worn out, causing constant leaks. You need to consult a plumbing company to replace the drain entirely in such cases.
If you aren’t sure whether your drain is the cause of the leak, a great way to determine this would be to plug your sink and fill it with water. Unplug it, then check under the sink around the drain. In some cases, simply tightening the nuts at the point where the pipes meet may fix the leak. In other cases, a plumbing company may replace the plumber’s putty and reattach the drain.
Loose Water Connection
Are you still experiencing constant leaks? The problem might be your sink water supply connections. A standard sink has two or three water supply connections. Any of these three supply connections may cause a leak. Usually, the connections are hidden, and you may only notice the leak when your cabinets are soaked. Two solutions that are often effective include either tightening the connection or replacing the gasket can help get rid of the leak.
Faucet Leak
Faucet leaks are often easy to spot and are another cause of kitchen sink leaks. An easy way to determine if your faucet is leaking is if water puddles at the top of the sink when you turn on the faucet. Sometimes, the faucet leak may run under the sink and can only be spotted if you take a look under the counter.
Some of the main causes of a faucet leak are worn-out gaskets or failed washers. You need a reputable plumber to replace them. If the leak is severe, the plumbing company may have to replace the entire faucet.
Damaged O-Ring
An 0-ring is a small disc with a stem screw that holds the faucet in place. The O-ring is a common source of kitchen sink leaks. Over time, it can wear out due to regular use resulting in the faucet leaking near the handle. If your O-ring is damaged, having a plumbing company replace it should fix the problem.
Clogged P-Trap
A P-trap refers to the curved section of a pipe under the sink. Its core purpose is to prevent bad smells from seeping from the drain and back into your kitchen. Normally, the P-trap is hidden from sight hence it’s difficult to determine if it’s the cause of a leak. Food may get trapped in the P-trap, blocking proper drainage and thereby causing a leaking problem. If your sink is made of metal parts, such a clog may cause erosion which will eventually cause a leak.
If any of the above is a problem, you need a plumbing company to replace the P-trap completely.
Worn-Out Washers
Often one of the leading causes of a kitchen sink leak, a washer presses against the valve seat whenever you use the faucet. This constant friction may cause your washer to wear out, causing leaks around the spout. A worn-out washer can be fixed by having a plumbing company around Bedford, TX replace it.
Corroded Valve Seat
Designed to connect the faucet and spout, the valve seat is used for the compression mechanism. When water accumulates at the valve seat, it can cause corrosion around the area leading to a leak. Regular cleaning by an expert from a reputable plumber can help deal with corrosion.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Leak-Free
Regular maintenance of your kitchen plumbing is a great way to ensure it lasts long and prevents leaks. Here are some steps you can take to prevent your Bedford, TX kitchen sink from leaking:
Conduct Routine Checks
You may not know what to look for, but a plumber from a reputable plumbing company such as Tioga Plumbing & Electric can carry out routine checks to determine if there are any issues. Occasionally taking a look at your pipes is one of the most effective ways to spot a problem before it becomes a major problem.
Wrap Your Pipes
Exposed pipes are prone to damage, and without proper care, they could easily cause a leak. If you aren’t using your kitchen during the cold weather, the pipes may freeze. An excellent way to avoid such an eventuality is by wrapping your pipes before the cold weather to prevent any cracks.
Avoid Pouring Everything Down the Sink
While pouring almost anything down your garbage disposal may seem like the proper treatment of waste, there are some things you should avoid. You shouldn’t pour oils and non-degradable items down your sink. Also, avoid putting plastics and hard stuff in your garbage disposal as it may cause costly damage.
Consult Tioga Plumbing & Electric
If you would like to know more about how best to maintain your kitchen sink, get in touch with Tioga Plumbing & Electric. We are a reputable plumbing company based in Bedford, TX, and our job is to ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today for any repairs or issues with your kitchen sink or any other part of your plumbing system.
Photo By Hairullah Bin Ponichan at Shutterstock