How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink

A leaking kitchen sink can be a major annoyance. Not only can it cause damage to your kitchen, but it can also lead to high water bills. Fortunately, fixing a leaking kitchen sink is a relatively easy DIY project that you can do yourself. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix a leaking kitchen sink.

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

The first step in fixing a leaking kitchen sink is to turn off the water supply. Look for the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise until it is fully closed. If you cannot find the shut-off valve, turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Leak

Next, you need to identify the type of leak you are dealing with. There are three common types of kitchen sink leaks:

• A leaky faucet
• A leaky drain
• A leaky water supply line

Each type of leak requires a different approach to fix. We will guide you through each type of leak below.

Step 3: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

If your kitchen sink is leaking from the faucet, you need to replace the cartridge or the washer. Here are the steps to replace the cartridge:

1. Remove the handle of the faucet.
2. Remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place.
3. Remove the cartridge by pulling it out.
4. Insert the new cartridge and replace the retaining clip.
5. Replace the handle of the faucet.

If your kitchen sink is leaking from the washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Remove the handle of the faucet.
3. Remove the packing nut and the stem.
4. Remove the washer and replace it with a new one.
5. Reassemble the faucet.

Step 4: Fixing a Leaky Drain

If your kitchen sink is leaking from the drain, you need to replace the drain basket or tighten the slip nut. Here are the steps to replace the drain basket:

1. Remove the old drain basket.
2. Install the new drain basket.
3. Tighten the lock nut under the sink.
4. Apply plumber’s putty around the edge of the drain basket.
5. Screw on the drain flange.

If your kitchen sink is leaking from the slip nut, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Loosen the slip nut and remove the old washer.
3. Replace the washer with a new one.
4. Tighten the slip nut.

Step 5: Fixing a Leaky Water Supply Line

If your kitchen sink is leaking from the water supply line, you need to replace the supply line. Here are the steps to replace the supply line:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Disconnect the old supply line from the shut-off valve.
3. Disconnect the old supply line from the faucet.
4. Connect the new supply line to the faucet.
5. Connect the new supply line to the shut-off valve.
6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

Step 6: Turn on the Water Supply

After you have fixed the leak, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, congratulations, you have successfully fixed your leaking kitchen sink!

Conclusion

Fixing a leaking kitchen sink is a simple DIY project that you can do yourself. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can save money on plumber fees and prevent damage to your kitchen. Remember to turn off the water supply before starting any repairs, and always double-check for leaks before finishing the project.