If your kitchen or bathroom sinks are leaking, you’ll want to be aware of the main causes so you can know what to do to solve them. Since a leaky kitchen sink will waste water and can end up causing water damage to your home, it’s important to take action fast before a leak spirals out of control. By knowing the five most causes of leaky sinks and what to do about them, you’ll be better prepared to handle a leak the moment it occurs. 

1. Worn-Out Faucet Gaskets or Washers

If you notice water pooling on your sink or under it, your faucet may be the source of your leak. Typically, a failed washer or faucet gasket is responsible for a faucet leak, as these components will wear down over time and let water escape. For example, a worn-down washer will often cause water to leak out from your faucet’s spout. To fix a leaking faucet, you can usually have a trained plumber switch out the worn-out parts with new ones.

2. Damaged O-Ring

Another common source of a leaky kitchen sink is a damaged O-Ring. This O-Ring is a small disc that attaches to a stem screw responsible for keeping your faucet handle in the correct position. Over time, heavy usage or aging can loosen or damage the O-ring, causing water to leak near your faucet’s handle. While replacing the O-ring can usually fix the leak, it’s best practice to have a plumber replace it for you so they can check for other potential problems.

3. Clogged or Broken P-Traps

Typically, your sink’s P-trap is a curved portion of a pipe located under your kitchen or bathroom sink. Due to its curved nature, this pipe helps stop bad smells from coming out of your drain, making it an essential part of any sink’s plumbing system. Sometimes, pieces of food or other clog-causing materials can get stuck in the P-trap and prevent water from draining down your pipe, resulting in a leak. A plumber can unclog a P-trap for you to get your sink working at its best again. 

However, a leak can also occur if rust has corroded your pipe or it’s been damaged in some other way. In this case, a plumber will probably need to replace the P-trap. 

4. Corroded Valve Seat

Your sink’s valve seat is another key component that can be prone to corrosion and cause a leaky bathroom sink. Since a sink’s valve seat connects your spout to the tap, water will often collect around it, leading to corrosion and leaks. Like the need to replace a rusted P-trap, a plumber will have to replace a corroded valve seat to solve the leak.

5. Loose Water Supply Connections

When you notice water leaking under your sink, it may be an issue with one of your sink’s water supply lines. Since these lines provide water to your sink, a loose connection can cause a lot of water to leak out of them, making it essential to take action fast. Generally, loose water supply connections are caused by corrosion or a failed gasket. A plumber can usually solve a loose or damaged water supply connection by replacing the gasket or tightening the connection.

Choose Boyd Plumbing for Leak Sink Repair in Sacramento

If you’re looking for a plumber near you in the greater Sacramento area, Boyd Plumbing can help. When you contact us for a leak sink repair, our team will perform a comprehensive inspection of your sink to find the leak’s source. Next, we’ll receive your approval before we provide any leaky sink repair or replacement services. Finally, we’ll review our work to ensure it's effective before leaving. Alongside our leak repair services, we also provide several coupons to give all our clients the best deal possible.

Learn more about our plumbing repair services today. If you’re interested in receiving our kitchen and bathroom sink repair services, please call us at (916) 710-8070 or schedule an appointment online.