How to Repair a Leaky Kitchen Sink Drain In 7 Easy Steps
Are you tired of dealing with a leaky kitchen sink drain? You’re not alone. Leaky drains are one of the most common plumbing issues, yet one of the most easily fixable. Fortunately, fixing a leaky kitchen sink drain can be done by anyone, no matter their experience level. In this article, we will look at how to repair a leaky kitchen sink drain in 7 easy steps. From identifying the issue to repairing it properly and safely, read on for all the details!
Materials Needed
Assuming you have a standard kitchen sink, the tools and materials you will need to fix your leaky drain are:
-A wrench to remove the faucet handle
-A basin wrench or long screwdriver to reach the nuts holding the faucet in place
-A putty knife to scrape away old plumbers putty
-New plumbers putty
-Rags
-A small bowl
-A toothbrush
-Cordless drill/screwdriver
-Wire brush attachment for drill/screwdriver
-1 inch hole saw with arbor (may not be necessary)
-Jigsaw (also may not be necessary)
-Utility knife
-Sandpaper (100 grit)
-PVC primer and cement (we recommend Oatey All Purpose Cement)
-PVC pipe (1/2 inch diameter, 10 inches long) -PVC coupling (1/2 inch diameter)
-PVC tee (1/2 inch diameter) -4 stainless steel hose clamps (1 1/4 inch size should do the trick)
-Stainless steel wire mesh drain screen
Preparation
The first step is to turn off the water supply to your kitchen sink. Locate the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to close it. Once the water is shut off, open the faucet to drain any remaining water from the lines.
Next, remove the P-trap from under the sink. The P-trap is the curved pipe that connects the drain to the sewer line. loosen the slip nuts that secure it in place and remove the trap.
Now, take a look at the drainpipe where it enters into the wall. If you see any leaks, you’ll need to replace this section of pipe. Use a hacksaw to cut through any corrosion and fit a new section of pipe in its place. Secure it with hose clamps or copper slip nuts and solder it in place if necessary.
If there are no leaks at this point, reattach the P-trap and turn on the water supply. Test for leaks by running some water down the drain. If everything is tight and dry, congratulations! You’ve successfully repaired your leaky kitchen sink drain!
Remove the Drain Cover
If your kitchen sink is leaking, the first step is to remove the drain cover. This will give you access to the drain pipe so that you can inspect it for any damage. Once the drain cover is removed, check to see if there is any water leaking from the pipe. If there is, then you will need to repair the leak before proceeding.
Clean the Drain
If your kitchen sink is leaking, the first step is to clean the drain. Use a plunger to try to dislodge any blockages in the drain. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a Drain Snake. Insert the Drain Snake into the drain and turn it until you feel resistance. This will help to break up any clogs in the drain. Once you’ve cleared the clog, run some hot water down the drain to flush it out.
Replace the P-trap
1. Replace the P-trap: The P-trap is the U-shaped drain pipe located under your sink. Over time, the P-trap can become corroded or clogged with debris, causing water to leak out. To fix a leaky P-trap, simply remove the old one and replace it with a new one.
Reattach the Drain Cover
1. Unscrew the drain cover and remove it.
2. Inspect the drain cover and look for any cracks or damage.
3. If the drain cover is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. If the drain cover is not damaged, simply clean it with a cloth and some soapy water.
5. Dry the drain cover off and screw it back into place.
Test for Leaks
The first step to repairing a leaky kitchen sink drain is to test for leaks. You can do this by running water in the sink and watching for any leaks around the drain. If you see any leaks, tighten the drain bolts with a wrench. If the leaks persist, you may need to replace the washer or gasket.
When to Call a Plumber
If you are noticing water leaks around your kitchen sink, it is important to take action right away and call a plumber. Water leaks can quickly lead to mold growth and other serious damage, so it is best to have a professional take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Repairing a leaky kitchen sink drain isn’t as hard as it might seem. With our 7 easy steps, you can have your drain fixed and back to normal in no time at all. Just be sure to keep an eye on the area over the next few days so that if there’s any more leakage or issues with the repair job, you can take action quickly. Good luck with fixing your kitchen sink drain!