Do you think the kitchen is the heart of a home? If so, you’re not alone; according to the New York Post, a survey found that one in seven Americans feels the same way. The study also noted that people in the U.S. spend over a thousand hours a year in this warm, inviting space!
But alas, the frequent use of this room can also lead to a problematic leak under kitchen sink spaces. While you may not be counting, this part of your kitchen is most likely the one you use most often. It (and its primary components, like the taps, water lines, and drain pipe) can develop wear and tear faster than other plumbing fixtures in your Salt Lake City home.
However, you don’t have to despair even if you experience kitchen sink plumbing woes. We here at Stallion Plumbing and Drains have shared insights into managing and addressing them, so read on.
Familiarize Yourself With Under-Kitchen-Sink Parts
Under-sink leak repair options depend on the part that leaks and where the leak comes from. So, the first step to addressing these kitchen plumbing woes is to learn more about these components.
Drainage Parts
Right under your kitchen sink is a straight pipe called a tailpiece. It usually connects to the sink’s drain fitting with a slip nut.
A slip nut is a threaded ring you can tighten or loosen by hand or with channel-lock pliers. Under this is a tapered plastic washer whose purpose is to ensure a watertight seal.
A P-trap, a curved pipe resembling a U or P, connects to the tailpiece further down (also often via slip nuts). The U-bend holds standing water to prevent sewer gases from rising from the sink drain.
As Marion, Ohio’s government website explains, sewer gases in a home are odor problems caused by hydrogen sulfide and, sometimes, ammonia. They can result from dry or damaged (P) traps and faulty drain lines. While it’s rare for sewer gases in homes to reach dangerous levels, they’re still an issue, as they can make your space smell horrible.
Water Supply Parts
Some of the most common sources of leaks are faucets. However, they’re not the only ones that can squander away water; so can their supply tubes.
The tap or taps in your kitchen (and bathroom) sink connect to a supply tube: a plastic mesh or braided metal wire tube that supplies them with water. They come in two pairs: one for hot water and the other for cold water. You’ll find these tubes under the sink.
Supply tubes also connect to the shutoff or stop valve, a plastic or metal valve that controls the water supply. The valve lets you turn the supply off at just the sink instead of the entire house.
Determine Where the Leak Is Coming From
Now that you know more about the parts under your sink that can leak, the next step is determining the root cause of your woes.
Grab a flashlight to determine the location of pooling water or damp spots. If they’re right under the drainage pipes, then it’s either the tailpiece or P-trap that leaks. In this case, the space under your sink will likely smell horrible, too.
If that’s not the case, shine the flashlight toward the supply tubes. If you have the shutoff valve turned on, damaged tubes will leak and feel wet or moist.
Fixes for Leaking Under-Sink Drainage Parts
If the tailpiece or P-trap is the culprit, check it more thoroughly to look for cracks or breakages. If you can’t find any, grab a small bucket or basin and some rags and put them under the drainage pipe. Then, run the cold water tap for a few seconds and observe where the water comes out.
If the water comes out by the top of the tailpiece, wipe it dry (the tap shouldn’t be running now). Then, use a gloved hand or channel-lock pliers to tighten the slip nut.
If the leak comes from the joints of the P-trap, tighten the nuts there, too. Run the cold water tap to see if you’ve solved the problem.
If not, or if the leak is due to a severe crack or damage, it’s time for professional pipe repair or replacement.
Repair Options for Leaking Water Supply Parts
Always turn the shutoff valve off before attempting to repair water supply components. Otherwise, water will flow out of the pipes nonstop if something goes wrong. It’s bad enough that, per BG Independent News, the average U.S. household wastes 10,000 gallons of water yearly due to leaks, so you wouldn’t want to waste even more.
Leaking Supply Tube Connection
If the problem is due to a supply tube leaking from the connection or joint, tighten the fasteners. Avoid overtightening them, though, as this can cause undue stress on the components, causing more potential damage.
Damaged Supply Tube
If the leak is massive and comes from the braided or meshed wire, you may be better off calling a professional Salt Lake City plumber. They can advise you on the best repair or replacement options and perform them promptly on your behalf.
You should also consider scheduling plumbing emergency repair so a professional can address the issue on the same day. Otherwise, the leak will keep wasting water whenever you open the shutoff valve to use the kitchen taps. There’s also the risk of the supply tube completely breaking down and spraying water all over your kitchen.
Dealing With a Leak Under Kitchen Sink Spaces?
A leak under kitchen sink spaces is a problem Salt Lake City homeowners like yourself should never ignore. Remember: Even small drips can amount to hundreds, even thousands, of gallons of wasted water. Leaks also encourage mold growth, which can be harmful or, at the very least, make your home smell terrible.
So, if you need professional help with a leak under your kitchen sink, call Stallion Plumbing and Drains in Salt Lake City. Over the years, we’ve provided high-quality, dependable services, including drain cleaning and whole-house and kitchen plumbing maintenance, repair, and installation.
Speak with us today for your free estimate and learn about our exclusive service discounts!