It can be a scary thing for a homeowner to come home and find a large puddle of water that has appeared under your kitchen sink. But even if you are able to catch a leak earlier on, the problem still remains of finding what is causing it and fixing it as soon as possible. Because not only does a kitchen leak waste a ton of water, but it can cause irreversible damage to flooring, cabinets, and the surrounding area if left untouched.
As home repair specialists here at Ascension General Contractors, we are sharing some things to look at when fixing a kitchen leak.
How to Fix a Kitchen Leak
Check the Faucet
If you have a faucet leak, it is generally something that can be spotted easily. It could be there is constantly dripping or that water collects at the top of the sink when the faucet is turned on. Another possibility is that water from the leak runs underneath the sink. Common causes for this could be bad washers or worn-out gaskets, which can be replaced to remedy the issue.
Look at the Drain
If your drain is old and worn out, it could be the reason why you’re fixing a kitchen leak. There is also plumber’s putty that is used to seal drains that can sometimes be too thin or dry out over time which also might be the culprit. To check and see if the drain is the issue, plug your drain and fill up the sink with water. Then, after unplugging it, use a flashlight and look for water. Try tightening the nuts where the pipes meet or remove the drain and install it using fresh plumber’s putty.
Tighten Loose Water-Supply Connections
When it comes to the water supply line, it can be hard to spot the leak early on. Sometimes it can be as easy as simply tightening the water lines that have loosened. Other times, corrosion or a failed gasket in the connector can be common factors that your water supply line is leaking, in which case, will need to be replaced.
Check for a Damaged O-Ring
Faucet handles are held in place by a stem screw, which has a small disc attached to it called an o-ring that helps to seal the faucet. With regular use, o-rings can become worn or loose. This can cause a leak to occur and the o-ring will need to be replaced to stop it. Keep in mind that this issue is most often found in a cartridge faucet.
Here at Ascension General Contractors, we have the skills and experience needed to take care of repairs when you have plumbing issues. If you find yourself fixing a kitchen leak, we are ready to help. Give us a call today!