Discovering a leaky or damaged pipe on your sink’s drain is always a hassle. Leakage usually indicates that your pipes are loose, broken, or worn out. Fortunately, you can repair your drain pipes at home using simple tools. If the leak originates from the pipes, it might be due to loose connections or damage. The sink strainer might be to blame if the leak is from the sink’s base.
This post includes various simple and temporary repairs to stop any leak immediately and more permanent options depending on the location of the discovered leak. Alternatively, you may engage professional plumbers in Stockton if the problem persists after following the below-cited plumbing fixes. Let’s begin!
Fixes for leaky sink drain pipe
Temporary Leak Repair
- Epoxy-putty:
For the best long-lasting temporary repair, use a 2-part epoxy putty. It is composed of a base and a hardener that, when combined, solidifies around your pipe. Simply knead both putties together in your hand. Then, apply the putty onto the leaky part of the pipe until it’s approximately 12 inches thick. Allow the putty to cure for the period specified on the container before running water down the drain again.
- Silicone Tape:
If the leak is minimal, wrap self-securing silicone tape around the pipe. Since silicone tape is designed for low-flow leaks, it works best around drain pipe junctions. Wrap the tape around the pipe tightly, overlaying half of the piece beneath it with each turn. Continue the process until it produces a tight seal.
- Clamp:
Place a pipe clamp over the leak if it’s in the pipe’s center. Clamps consist flat rubber portion known as a gasket and a metal fastening that wraps around the piping. Consider choosing a clamp of appropriate size for your pipe to ensure a tight seal. Firmly press the gasket against the leaking section of the pipe and secure it by placing the clamp on the gasket’s top.
Fixing Leaky Pipe Connections
Before accomplishing the following fixes, consider inspecting your pipes for garbage since undisposed waste sometimes causes water leaking. If it’s the case, call a professional drain cleaning Stockton expert to ensure the unclogged kitchen drains.
- Joint Leaking:
If the pipes are leaking at the junction, tighten the slip nuts between them. Many times, all you have is a loose slip nut, which is a circular fastener that connects two pipes. Locate the first slip nut where the vertical pipe attaches to the drain beneath your sink. Hand-tighten the slip nut by turning it counterclockwise. Tighten all the other nuts while working down the pipeline.
- Replace old or cracked rubber gaskets:
Gaskets are little rubber bits that fit between metal or PVC pipes to provide a watertight seal. Remove the slide nuts along the drain pipe and inspect the rubber gaskets for cracks or damage. If any damage is discovered, replace the gaskets with the same size. The majority of gaskets will have a broader and a narrower end. Insert the gasket’s thin end inside the pipe.
- Use plumber’s tape:
Plumber’s tape, often renowned as Teflon tape, forms a water-tight seal where pipes are screwed together. Unscrew the slide nuts that are holding metal drain pipes together. Wrap the plumber’s tape around the threading clockwise, overlapping each rotation by half the width of the tape. Work your way up to the threading’s ends before cutting the tape and putting the drain back together.
