How To Fix A Leaking Sink Pipe

A leaking sink pipe is a common household problem that can be easily fixed with a few simple tools and materials. Follow these steps to stop the leak and prevent further damage.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape
Pipe wrench
Replacement pipe (if necessary)

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you do any work on the pipe, it's important to turn off the water supply to the sink. This will prevent water from leaking out and causing further damage.

3. Locate the Leak

Once the water is turned off, you need to locate the leak. It may be obvious, or you may need to feel around the pipe for wetness. Once you've found the leak, clean the area around it with a cloth.

4. Tighten the Loose Connection

If the leak is coming from a loose connection, you can usually fix it by tightening the connection with an adjustable wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the connection, or you could damage the pipe.

5. Replace the Washer

If the leak is coming from the washer, you'll need to replace it. To do this, unscrew the nut that holds the washer in place and remove the old washer. Apply a thin layer of plumber's putty to the new washer and screw it into place.

6. Wrap the Pipe with Teflon Tape

If the leak is coming from the threads of the pipe, you can fix it by wrapping the threads with Teflon tape. To do this, cut a length of Teflon tape and wrap it around the threads in a clockwise direction. Start wrapping the tape at the end of the pipe and work your way towards the fitting.

7. Replace the Pipe

If the leak is coming from a hole in the pipe, you'll need to replace the pipe. To do this, cut the pipe on either side of the hole and remove the damaged section. Install a new pipe in its place and tighten the connections.

8. Turn the Water Supply Back On

Once you've fixed the leak, turn the water supply back on. Check for any leaks and tighten any loose connections.

Tips

Here are a few tips for fixing a leaking sink pipe:

If the leak is coming from a copper pipe, you can use a soldering torch to seal the leak.
If the leak is coming from a PVC pipe, you can use a PVC cement to seal the leak.
If you're not comfortable fixing the leak yourself, call a plumber.