Why Is My Kitchen Sink Leaking? We’ve Got the Answer for You!

It is true to say that the sink is the most used area in any household. You can use it to get a cup of water, to wash dishes, wash fruits or vegetables, etc.

Leaking in your kitchen sink is one of the most frustrating experiences, as it puts dozens of your tasks on hold. If this happens to you, you’ll need to know why before trying to fix it.

So why is my kitchen sink leaking? Whether you want to try to fix the problem yourself or get the help of a plumber, you should know why.

kitchen sink leaking
kitchen sink leaking

Why Is My Kitchen Sink Leaking?

There are many possible causes for your kitchen sink faucet to leak. So if you find your kitchen sink faucet is leaking, it could be due to one of the following:

 Fault Valve Seat

The valve seat is responsible for connecting the faucet and the spout for a compression mechanism. The presence of excess water at the valve seat can lead to corrosion.

The term “Corrosion” refers to the breakdown of a material due to a chemical reaction, which can occur in the presence of water. 

That’s why it can be a problem for the plumbing systems of your home.

Once your valve seat gets corroded, it leads to a leak. We recommend cleaning your valve seat and getting help from a trusted professional if necessary.

Your Water Supply Connection Is Loose

If you find that the leak is happening continuously underneath your kitchen sink, there may be something wrong with your water supply line. 

A kitchen sink typically has two supply connections, even three if your sink has a separate sprayer. Every supply connection can lead to a leak and cause issues.

In most cases, you won’t see these connections. So you can only detect a leak until your cabinet, and anything else in the storage under your sink is damp.

Once your water line is leaking, it can lead to corrosion and cause the gasket in the connector to fail.

In most instances, replacing your gasket is okay. But sometimes, all you need to do is tighten your connection.

O-Ring Is Damaged 

It is a tiny disc that is attached to the stem screw to hold the faucet handle in place.

When your O-ring gets looser or wears out from use, it can lead to a leak in your kitchen faucet.

In this case, you will need to replace this tiny disc to troubleshoot the problem. 

However, you should seek the help of a plumber to determine that the cause is only in your O-ring and not elsewhere.

Sink’s Faucet Leak

It is easy to spot the cause if your kitchen sink faucet leaks. 

One of the most common signs is the water puddles at your skin’s top whenever you turn on your faucet.

Also, your faucet can leak to run underneath the kitchen sink, asking you to look under the counter to spot it.

In most cases, worn-out gaskets or failed washers are the leading cause of leaks in your faucet. If it is the case, you just need to replace them.

But if you are dealing with a more severe leak, you will have to replace your entire faucet, which is a simple process.

See also:

How To Fix A Bathroom Sink Stopper

Your P-Trap Is Clogged 

The P-trap is the pipe’s curved part which you usually find underneath your sink. This part is mainly responsible for preventing foul smells from your drains. 

You also cannot see this P-trap, making it challenging to detect a leak right away.

Over time, small pieces of food and debris will accumulate at your P-trap, blocking the proper water draining and leading to a leaking issue.

The cause can also be corrosion if you have a kitchen sink that comes with metal parts. In this case, you will probably have to replace your trap with a new one.

Drain Leak

In most cases, the drain features a seal with putty that will prevent leaks. 

If you find that the putty is thin or begins to dry out, the cause of the leak may be in your drain.

If your drain is too old since it has been used for a long time, it can also lead to a leak. Getting help from a trusted plumber is the best way to change your drain correctly.

The Washers Are Worn Out

Once your washer is worn-out, it can also lead to a leaking sink, and it is also a common problem. The good news is that you can quickly replace it.

Conclusion

Leaks in the kitchen sink are undesirable, but sometimes it happens for various reasons. Identifying the cause will allow you to come up with ideas for how to fix it. Thanks for your time!

Rate this post
Photo of author
Edvian Berrios is a homeowner who has become a plumbing expert through self-study and practical experience. Despite not being a professional plumber, Berrios's deep understanding of fixtures and do-it-yourself techniques has enabled him to successfully handle even the most challenging plumbing problems in his own homes.