4 Simple Fixes for a Bathroom Sink Leaking Underneath
We’ve all experienced a bathroom sink leaking. It’s incredibly frustrating. Even worse, it can cause water damage to floors and screed if not addressed quickly.
So, today I’ll show you how to fix four problems that cause leaks under the bathroom sink.
• How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Leak
1. Bathroom Leak Under the Drain Body
2. Bathroom Sink Leak Under the Trap
3. Bathroom Leak Under the Tailpiece
4. Bathroom Sink Leak Under the Sink Flange
Final Thoughts
Related Resources
Call Emergency Plumber Warrington
How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Leaking
These instructions won’t cover every type of leak you’ll find under the sink. But they will cover four of the most common problems we encounter as emergency plumbers. To be prepared for any problem, make sure you have the following:
Adjustable wrench or quick-release pliers
A bucket and an old rag (to catch or dry the wastewater)
Long-nose pliers
Plumber’s putty and Teflon tape
Any parts you need to replace
1. Sink Leaking under the drain body
If water is leaking from where the pivot rod enters the drain body, here’s what to do:
Tighten the retaining nut with an adjustable wrench or quick-release pliers.
If the leak persists, unscrew the retaining nut, slide the pivot rod out of the drain body, and replace the washer or gasket under the retaining nut.
Tighten all locknuts and locknuts a quarter turn. Use firm, but gentle force.
Wipe the entire trap with a dry rag, then run water from the sink down the drain to check for leaks.
If you notice leaks around the locknuts, remove the trap bend, then the trap arm, and replace the washers.
Replace the bend or arm if damaged or corroded.
If the sink fitting or flange is also leaking, proceed to step 3 before installing the trap.
2. The bathroom sink leaking is under the trap.
Unscrew the fitting with a wrench. If it’s brass, it can easily be pinched, so try unscrewing it by hand.
For a better grip, here’s a pro tip: slip a wide rubber band over the fitting. This will prevent your hand from slipping while trying to loosen the fitting.
If the fitting is stubborn, remove it with a wrench and purchase a replacement of the same length.
An old fitting may be fraying; use needle-nose pliers to pull any remaining pieces from the drain body threads.
Before installing a new fitting, wrap Teflon tape (also called thread sealing tape or plumber’s tape) around the threads and replace the slip nut and trap washer.
3. Bathroom sink leak under the sink flange
A worn washer or cracked grout under the sink flange could allow water to seep under the sink. Here’s what to do to prevent this type of leak.
Remove the trap bend, if you haven’t already.
Then remove the drain body and free the flange from the sink.
Apply a thin bead of plumber’s putty under the edge of the flange. See related resources below.
Reinstall the drain body and pop-up assembly.
Remove excess putty around the flange.
If leaks persist, tighten all fittings a quarter turn at a time.☎️ Call us 24/7 at 01925941004 — we’re ready to help!
Final Thoughts
Leaks under the bathroom sink are quite common. We receive calls every day to repair them. While quick action is required, many of these leaks can be handled on your own with a little plumbing knowledge and experience.
Call Emergency Plumber Warrington
Feel free to contact us here or call us at Emergency Plumber Warrington if you have water leaks under your bathroom sink (or anywhere else).
1-Emergency Plumber Warrington certified team of plumbers and drain technicians responds immediately to any plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage emergency. We also handle excavation of underground water mains and main sewer lines.
The technicians we collaborate with: