Is your bathroom sink drain leaking? If left unaddressed, a leaky drain can snowball into major problems down the line. While placing a bucket under the sink can fix the issue instantly, this band-aid solution can result in the growth of mold and mildew. A delay calling a plumber in Newmarket and you’ll end up with a damaged drain and pipes, resulting in expensive repairs, says Plumbing Authority experts.
This article breaks down five straightforward steps to fixing a leaking bathroom sink drain pipe.
How to Fix Leaking Bathroom Sink Drain Pipe
Step 1: Switch off the water supply.
Any plumbing work or repair requires the water supply to be cut off. When working on a leaky bathroom sink, use the shut-off valves found under your sink. Once the water is shut off, open your waterline by turning on the hot and cold water. This is necessary to drain out the water in the pipes and prevent flooding.
Step 2: Inspect the joints.
Leaky bathroom drains tend to leak on the joints. You may also notice water buildup around a leaking joint. In this case, you might need to trace the source of the leak. Crawl under your cabinet with a flashlight in hand and inspect the leak. Some joints are connected, so you may only need to check out a few joints.
Stop the leak by tightening the joints (by hand or using a wrench) to secure them. Make sure not to make the joints too tight or loose to prevent the leak from worsening. After securing the joints, you may switch the water back on and see if the leak is fixed. If not, perform the next step.
Step 3: Replace the washers.
If the previous step didn’t correct the leak, switch the water back off. Remove the joints from the pipes and inspect the rubber washers. The purpose of the washers is to ensure that the pipes are secured together. Washers tend to wear down over time and use, and they can be prone to cracking and brittle. When either of these happens, leaking is bound to happen. Fix the issue by replacing the rubber washers. Then reconnect the joints to the pipes. Once done, test it again. If leaking persists, cut off the water source again at the shut-off valve and move on to the next step.
Step 4: Check for rust.
A corroded or rusted pipe can also be the reason behind a leaky drain. Rust can damage the pipe and create cracks and holes where water can escape. Use a flashlight to inspect your pipes for signs of rust. If you notice rust, remove the damaged pipe and replace it with a new one, recommend Home Advisor. Also, replace the rubber washer and fix the new pipe segment. Afterward, tighten the joint and test the drain once again.
Step 5: Call a professional plumber.
If the steps outlined above haven’t fixed the leaking, contact a plumbing expert for advanced solutions. There are a lot of plumbing companies in Toronto offering drain repair services to help you fix pipe leaks using effective tools and techniques reminds A Alert Drain. They are also trained to spot a problem at first glance and offer immediate solutions before they turn into a messy and costly problem.