Kitchen sinks are an essential part of any household, providing a convenient and efficient way to not only wash your hands but to wash dishes and clean produce. One common issue that homeowners often face is faucet leaks, which can be inconvenient and cause problems such as mould growth, which is hazardous to your health and omits a foul stench.
Furthermore, even though the water from sink leakage seems like a small amount, it’s still a waste of precious resources and increases your water bill because of the constant flow of water. In worse cases, they can cause irreversible and costly water damage.
Here are some reasons why kitchen sinks can leak and how to prevent and fix these issues:
Faulty Installation
Leaks may occur due to poor installation. If an inexperienced person installed the sink, it is crucial to contact an experienced professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage that is not only costly but potentially irreversible.
Experienced plumbers can assess and fix your problem. While DIY plumbing may initially seem cost-effective, it is a band-aid solution and can end up costing more in the long term to fix any mistakes. It’s highly recommended to play it safe and let the professionals handle the plumbing.
Improper Pipe Connections
Sink and plumbing pipe connections can become loose, faulty, or damaged due to regular use, vibrations, or incorrect installation. It is recommended to check the connections under your sink at least once a year to ensure they’re watertight, secure, and don’t have any signs of wear or corrosion.
You could tighten loose connections with an adjustable wrench, but corroded or damaged parts need to be replaced immediately. Again, it is highly recommended to hire a professional with plumbing knowledge to replace your pipes.
Additionally, make sure that the pipes are not blocked to prevent a backup of water and subsequent leaks.
Clogged Drain
If there are no signs of improper pipe connections, a clogged sink might be the cause of the leak. When the drain or any part of the pipe is clogged, water can accumulate and overflow, causing leaks around the sink.
It’s important to take care not to let anything but the water flow down into your drain. Food remnants, grease, and debris are the things that cause blockages. Use a drain strainer or screen to catch food particles and do not pour grease down the drain.
Regularly clean and unclog the drain to prevent or fix drainage issues.
Worn Out or Damaged Seals
One of the main reasons why kitchen sinks leak is due to a faulty or worn-out seal.
The seal is located around the sink components, such as the drain, faucet, and water supply lines. Over time, they can become deteriorated or damaged, allowing water to seep through the cracks. This can be caused by age, constant exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, or improper installation.
You should inspect these components on a regular basis and replace them as soon as signs of damage or deterioration appear. Again, we highly recommend that this is done by an expert with plumbing experience.
Cracked or Damaged Sink
Another possible reason for kitchen sink leaks is a cracked or damaged sink itself. Over time, sinks can develop cracks or chips due to heavy use or impact. These cracks can cause water to leak through and damage the surrounding areas.
If you notice any cracks or damage to your sink, it is best to hire a plumber to replace it with a new one to prevent further leaks and potential water damage.
High Water Pressure
Finally, high water pressure can be a cause of kitchen sink leaks. If the pressure is too high, it can cause strain on the plumbing and create small cracks in the pipes or seals, resulting in leaks.
You should check your water pressure with a gauge to ensure it is within the recommended range for your area. If it is too high, you can install a water pressure regulator and reduce the risk of leaks.
Picking a Sink
If you’re looking for a kitchen sink replacement or are in the market for a new one, we suggest considering Aurasink, a highly rated leak-proof kitchen sink option. See, the problem with traditional sink installation is in the design – there’s a space for water seepage to get through.
To remedy this issue, some people apply extra silicone to the entire sink, which can be costly. With Aurasink, the revolutionary design includes a ridge that prevents water leakage and the installation method includes a clamp system to create a watertight seal.
Kitchen sink leaks can be caused by various factors including faulty seals, loose connections, clogged drains, cracked sinks, and high water pressure.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting your sink and drains, can help prevent leaks.
Regardless of the cause, if you notice any signs of leaks, it is crucial to promptly address the issue to prevent potential water wastage and further damage. It is recommended to contact a professional plumber to assess and fix the problem without delay. Taking shortcuts will only result in higher costs in the future.
Instead of anticipating future plumbing issues and sink repairs, why not invest in Aurasink?
