Pipes Under Your Sink
When the pipes under your sink begin to fail or become loose, you will start to see water leaking inside the cabinet or on the floor. If you catch the leak early, it will most likely be only a few drops of water and there won't be the threat of water damage. This is why it is important to include your plumbing in the routine inspections of your home. If a leak of even a few drops a minute is left unfixed, it can lead to major water damage.
Here is a helpful blog post on including the plumbing in your home maintenance and inspections.
Don't believe us that a few drops per minute of water can become a big deal? Check out this interactive page that shows what a small leak can turn into.
Let's Fix That Leak
Observe the pipes and connections. If you notice water dripping from a ring nut, tighten the nut clockwise with large adjustable pliers. If the leak persists, turn off the water and proceed to the following steps.
- Loosen the ring nut at the leaky connection counterclockwise with the pliers. Separate the connection by hand. Remove the nut and nylon washer from the pipe.
- Install a new ring nut onto the end of the pipe. Slide a new washer against the nut. Thread the nut into the connection by hand and tighten it snugly with the pliers
- Tighten the remaining ring nuts snug, but not excessively tight or you risk breaking the nuts.
Pro Tip: Avoid using a pipe wrench on plastic plumbing fittings. It might damage the fitting, leading to more problems down the line.
If you were able to fix your leak, we are sending a virtual high five! If you are still having a little trouble, have no fear. We are here to help! We are open 24/7 and ready to take care of all your plumbing issues.