Call a Plumber for Your Kitchen Sink Leak

Why is your kitchen sink leaking into the cabinet underneath it? And why is this a plumbing problem that you need to address ASAP? The drip underneath the kitchen sink may not seem like a major plumbing issue, but it will require professional repair. If you are experiencing this common type of leak, take a look at what you need to know about repairs. 

What Could Cause a Sink To Leak?

There isn't one cause for every plumbing leak. Before you schedule a repair, you may need to know the reason behind the plumbing problem. The top reasons why kitchen sinks leak include:

• Drain leaks. The seal around the sink's drain could corrode or the plumber's putty used to make it tight could dry out. This can result in a leak that appears to come from the bottom of the sink.
• Faucet leaks. The seal or caulking around the fixture could fail, the connection could have a gap, or this fixture could leak from the faucet. 
• Drain pipe leaks. The drain itself isn't the only part of this sink assembly that could leak. The pipe under the sink could have a loose seal at a joint or may not fully connect with the sink. Older pipes could corrode and crack, allowing water to leak out.

Along with the drainpipe, it's possible that the P-trap (the curved section under the sink at the bottom of the pipe) could have a crack, loose washer, or a clog. A clogged P-trap may cause debris and water to back up into the sink or leak out.

Why Do Sinks Leak?

The answer to this question depends on the cause of the leak. However, there are a few common reasons why kitchen sink leaks happen, such as:

• Wear and tear. Your kitchen sink's drain is used daily. Over time, wear and tear can corrode pipes, break down gaskets and washers, or cause fixtures and faucets to fail.
• Age. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, an acrylic kitchen sink may last for 50 years, a steel sink has a five to 10-year lifespan, and faucets have a 15 to 20-year lifespan. 
• Misuse. Does a household member force oil, large chunks of leftovers, or other similar items into the drain? Over time, misuse could lead to a leak.
• Improper installation. Did you attempt a DIY faucet or drain installation? Failure to correctly install these plumbing components could lead to a leak. This makes it important to use professional plumbing services for repairs and installations. 

Faulty or poor-quality parts can also cause a kitchen sink leak. If a previous homeowner installed the sink, or you don't feel the parts are at the quality level you expect, now is the time to replace a faucet, drain, or other parts of the kitchen sink.

Why Should You Repair a Leaking Kitchen Sink?

It's possible you didn't know about the leak right away. If the leak was under the sink, the water could drip into a cabinet for hours, days, or longer without you realizing it. When you do find the leak, you need to repair it right away. Failure to promptly repair this plumbing problem could wastewater or cause additional issues.

A leaking faucet could gallons of water. Instead of wasting money on the cost of utility bills, contact a contractor to repair the leak as soon as possible. Not only will a leak waste money, but it could also result in mold growth or damage to the cabinet surrounding the sink and drain.

Do you need help finding and fixing a leak? Contact Oak Creek Plumbing for more information.