Pretty much everyone has encountered a leaking sink at some point. Sink leaks are relatively common as they are one of the most prevalent water-using fixtures in the home and have lots of moving parts where leaks can form. With that in mind, the team at Iron Mountain Plumbing Co. is here to answer the question: how do you fix leaking sink plumbing in Hurricane, UT?
Contact us today to speak to our top plumbers in Hurricane, Utah, about leaking sink solutions!
Signs You Have a Sink Leak
Identifying a sink leak is easy if you can see the water dripping out in real-time. However, many sink leaks are slow, so they may not be immediately visible. If you notice any of the following signs, check to see if you have a leaking sink.
Damaged Flooring
One of the most common signs of a sink leak is damaged flooring in front of the sink. Water leaks can dribble down the front of your sink cabinets and get underneath your flooring. If you have vinyl or linoleum flooring, water infiltration can cause it to bubble and shrink. If you have natural wood floorboards, a water leak under your sink can cause them to swell and rot from the inside out.
Musty Smells
Musty smells are another sign that you have a sink leak on your hands. These smells are most noticeable underneath your cabinets and sink. Musty smells are usually caused by rotting wood or bacteria that grow in standing water.
Mold or Algae
Moisture from leaks can facilitate mold and algae growth underneath your sinks. Mold and algae can appear as greenish-black streaks in your cabinets and on your floor. Mold and algae can pose a serious health concern, so if you identify mold, contact a professional to remove it and sanitize the affected areas.
High Water Bills
You can also identify a potential leak through your water bills. Larger leaks can waste high amounts of water, so check your water meter or water bills for any increased usage. If your bills are getting higher but you are not using more water than normal, the problem could be a sink leak.
Leaking Sink Source
The first step to fixing a leaking sink is identifying the source. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can test for the most common sources of sink leaks:
- If you think the leak is coming from the seal near your sink edge, dribble some water near the edge and see if it comes through.
- If you think the leak is coming from your drain, close the drain and fill the sink with water. Open the drain and look for any dripping water as it drains out of the basin.
- If you suspect the leak is coming from one of your pipes, take some tissue or toilet paper and dab around the pipe joints to look for moisture and water.
If you are not sure where the leak is coming from, you can hire leak detection services. Leak detection experts specialize in locating plumbing leaks and use a wide range of detection methods, such as acoustic, video, and thermal detection.
Repairing a Leaking Sink in Hurricane, UT
How do you fix leaking sink plumbing? The appropriate repair job depends on the specific nature of your sink leak:
- If the cause of the leak is from your faucet, you can usually tighten the washer to stop any leaking or dripping.
- You can fix sink drain leaks by replacing the drain seal. You will first have to remove the old drain before reapplying the adhesive seal and installing a new drain.
- Leaks from damaged pipes can be fixed with a pipe patch or by replacing the damaged segment. A professional plumber can determine which option is better for a damaged pipe.
- Leaks can also come from damaged valves and o-rings in your sink. To stop the water, you can replace the damaged valves and rings.
- A leaking garbage disposal is usually because the connector and valves are not tight enough to create a seal.
If you identify a leak, you can use a pipe patching kit to stop the water before you schedule more permanent sink plumbing repairs. In many cases, the best option is to contact a professional, who has the tools and skills to quickly identify and fix any plumbing issue. Most plumbers also have guarantees on their work, so you will be covered in case anything goes wrong.
Tips to Avoid Sink Leaks in Hurricane, UT
Sink leaks are frustrating, but there are several things homeowners can do to prevent them from forming and catch them quickly if they do form.
Inspect Your Sink Regularly
Get in the habit of visually inspecting your sink and pipes every few weeks. That way, you can identify potential leaks before they form or catch them soon after they form. The earlier you catch a leak, the faster you can get it fixed, and the less damage it will do.
Don’t Put Foreign Objects Down the Drain
Avoid putting any objects down your sink that do not belong, such as solid food, oils, grease, nuts, and seeds. Even if your sink has a garbage disposal, you should not rely on it to dispose of large amounts of food. Foreign objects can not only clog your pipes and make drains slow but can also damage your pipes and cause leaks.
Clean Your Drains Regularly
You should also schedule professional drain cleaning at least once per year. Drain cleaning removes stubborn buildup and debris trapped in your drains, which can weaken your pipes and cause leaks.
Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners
When cleaning your drains, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, such as bleach. Strong chemicals can dissolve and damage plumbing. A fair percentage of homes in Hurricane were built before the 1990s, so they may have older cast-iron piping that harsh chemicals can corrode.
Insulate Your Pipes
During the winter, water in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing holes and leaks. You can reduce the risk of freezing pipes by insulating the space underneath your sink. Insulating your pipes keeps them from freezing when the temperature drops.
Sink Leak FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about leaking sink repair in Hurricane, UT.
It depends on the specific cause of the leak and how much damage it has caused, but most sink leak repair jobs take about 30 minutes to an hour. Repairs will take longer if the sink leak has damaged your flooring, walls, or cabinetry.
Yes, you can fix simple sink leaks on your own. For example, you can fix some leaks by just tightening the valve on your sink or tightening the handles. Replacing a damaged faucet is also a project you can do on your own in a few hours. However, some leaks, such as those from damaged drains or pipes, will require a professional to repair them effectively.
No, leaking sinks are usually not a plumbing emergency, especially if you can shut off the water. However, a leaking sink can become an emergency if it’s from a broken pipe and you cannot turn off the water supply. Leaking sinks can also cause other emergencies if you let them fester, such as water damage.
If you don’t fix a leaking pipe, it can quickly lead to other issues, such as water damage. A sink can leak water into your cabinets, floor, and walls. Sinks in your basement can create leaks that get into your concrete slab foundation.
A single faucet that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste a staggering 3,000 gallons of water per year. In fact, fixing all sink leaks in your home can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year — enough for nearly 300 loads of laundry. Fixing sink leaks can also lower your water bills.
If your sink is leaking, you should first shut off the water supply to the fixture. Once you have stopped the water, you can identify the source of the leak. If you cannot identify the source of the leak or can identify it but can’t fix it on your own, contact a professional plumber to assist.
No. 1 Plumbing Services in Hurricane, UT
Read our blog to learn more about the reasons for a clogged sink in Hurricane, UT. If you have any more questions like, “How do you fix leaking sink plumbing?” contact Iron Mountain Plumbing Co. online or call today at 435-241-7031 to schedule an appointment to repair sink pipes!
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