Why Is My Bathroom Sink Leaking And How Do I Fix It?

If you’re dealing with a leaky bathroom sink, you’re not alone. It’s a common plumbing issue that can be frustrating and costly to fix. But before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can do to try to identify and fix the leak yourself.

Common Causes of Bathroom Sink Leaks

There are several reasons why your bathroom sink might be leaking. Some of the most common causes include:

• Loose or worn-out washers: The washers in your sink’s faucet are responsible for creating a watertight seal. Over time, these washers can become worn out or loose, which can cause water to leak from the faucet.
• Cracked or damaged faucet: A cracked or damaged faucet can also cause water to leak. This can be caused by a number of things, such as accidental impact or exposure to harsh chemicals.
• Leaking supply lines: The supply lines that connect your sink to the water source can also leak. This can be caused by corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
• Clogged drain: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and leak from the sink. This can be caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, or other debris.

Troubleshooting a Leaking Bathroom Sink

If you’re not sure what’s causing your bathroom sink to leak, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Check the washers: The first thing you should do is check the washers in your sink’s faucet. To do this, turn off the water supply to the sink and remove the faucet handle. Then, use a wrench to remove the washer and inspect it for damage or wear. If the washer is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one.
2. Inspect the faucet: Once you’ve checked the washers, inspect the faucet for any cracks or damage. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace the faucet.
3. Check the supply lines: The next thing you should check is the supply lines that connect your sink to the water source. Look for any signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections. If you find any damage, you’ll need to replace the supply lines.
4. Unclog the drain: If you suspect that the leak is being caused by a clogged drain, you can try to unclog it using a drain cleaner. Follow the instructions on the drain cleaner carefully. If the drain cleaner doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber to snake the drain.

How to Fix a Leaking Bathroom Sink

Once you’ve identified the cause of the leak, you can start to fix it. Here are a few tips:

• Replace the washers: If the leak is being caused by worn-out or loose washers, you can replace them yourself. To do this, turn off the water supply to the sink and remove the faucet handle. Then, use a wrench to remove the washer and replace it with a new one.
• Replace the faucet: If the leak is being caused by a cracked or damaged faucet, you’ll need to replace the faucet. To do this, turn off the water supply to the sink and disconnect the supply lines. Then, remove the old faucet and install the new one.
• Replace the supply lines: If the leak is being caused by damaged or loose supply lines, you’ll need to replace them. To do this, turn off the water supply to the sink and disconnect the old supply lines. Then, connect the new supply lines to the sink and turn on the water supply.
• Unclog the drain: If the leak is being caused by a clogged drain, you can try to unclog it using a drain cleaner. Follow the instructions on the drain cleaner carefully. If the drain cleaner doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber to snake the drain.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’re not comfortable fixing the leak yourself, or if the leak is severe, you should call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and fix the leak quickly and efficiently.

Summary

A leaky bathroom sink can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that you can usually fix yourself. By following the tips in this guide, you can identify the cause of the leak and fix it quickly and easily.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Why is my bathroom sink leaking from the base?
A: A leak from the base of your bathroom sink is often caused by a loose or damaged drainpipe. Check the drainpipe for any cracks or damage and tighten any loose connections. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the drainpipe.

Q: Why is my bathroom sink leaking when I turn it on?
A: A leak when you turn on the sink is often caused by a worn-out or damaged washer in the faucet. Replace the washer to fix the leak.

Q: Why is my bathroom sink leaking when it’s not in use?
A: A leak when the sink is not in use is often caused by a faulty faucet. Replace the faucet to fix the leak.