A leak in the bathroom sink is a cause for concern. The constant drips can lead to a nasty case of water damage, especially when the moisture is left unaddressed for prolonged periods of time. Here’s how to fix a broken bathroom sink and prevent a water damage disaster.
Why is a broken bathroom sink serious?
Fixing a broken sink should be a priority. Puddles under the sink cause water damage to the bottom of the cabinet. When the floor is constantly exposed to moisture and the floorboards absorb it, the wood begins to warp, rot, or buckle.
Aside from the resulting water damage, a broken bathroom sink can cause additional problems, like mold growth. The steady supply of water in the bathroom can lead to a mold infestation within 24 to 48 hours. The mold must be eliminated in order to maintain a safe, habitable space.
How is a broken bathroom sink repaired?
Sinks are distinct, with the kitchen sink being built differently than the bathroom sink. Although sink styles are unique, they share similarities. Fixing a broken sink requires an understanding of the various components, which are common across all sink styles.
Step 1: Identify the Sink’s Features
Become familiar with the faucet, basin, drain and water supply line—which can become clogged and lead to a leak. A faulty p-trap is also known to be a common cause of leaks in the bathroom sink. Locate the shut-off valve, stopper, and rubber and friction gaskets.
Step 2: Pinpoint the Source of the Leak
Diagnose the cause of the leak, which might be a loose pipe connection, a defective drainpipe, or a faulty drain flange. Check to see that the water supply lines are not blocked and that the sink drain connections are functional.
By knowing where the leak originates, a solution is within reach. If the leak is due to a damaged component, simply repair or replace it. Most causes of bathroom sink leaks are due to parts that have become worn over time. Older faucets, for instance, become corroded gradually.
Step 3: Repair the Leak
1. Sink Basin
If the leak originates in the sink basin, the seal around the basin is faulty. Remove the old drain flange. Clean the area around the sink hole. Apply a new sealant under the new drain flange. Install a new drain flange and run the water to test for leaks.
2. Shut-Off Valves
If the leak comes from the shut-off valves, replace the hot and cold water supply shut-off valves. Since the shut-off valves are screwed or soldered on, the services of a licensed plumber are necessary to perform a proper valve replacement.
3. Drain Pipe
Sometimes the drain pipe is responsible for the leak in the bathroom sink. If the leak is at the joint, use a pipe wrench to tighten the slip nuts. Gently turn clockwise to tighten it; however, be careful to avoid overtightening, as this can damage the nuts or threads.
After running the water to check if the leak persists, the pipe may continue to leak. A replacement is necessary if the pipe is cracked or excessively worn. Purchase a new pipe in the correct size. Unscrew the damaged pipe and screw in the new one.
4. O-Ring
The O-ring allows the faucet handle to move smoothly. When it is worn or loose, replace it. First turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Remove the cap from the faucet handle and unscrew it. Loosen the nut holding the stem. Replace the O-ring and reassemble.
Are bathroom sink leaks preventable?
Homeowners can take steps to prevent bathroom sink leaks. One of the best ways is to routinely inspect the sinks, looking for rust, small leaks, and mineral deposits—which can indicate a potential problem. Also check for wear and tear on the sink’s components.
If any signs of wear and tear are visible, replace the worn parts immediately. Fast action prevents leaks and the resulting water damage. When replacing parts, use reasonable pressure. Avoid overtightening, which can cause the parts to crack or lose their ability to form a proper seal.
Use quality parts when shopping for replacement components, as they endure and are less prone to leaks. Also consider an annual inspection by a licensed plumber, who has the trained eye and experience to identify any missed issues during the homeowner’s DIY inspections.
Bathroom sinks are easy repair with the right knowledge and quality replacement parts. The most important part of the fix is speed. Homeowners should repair the leak as soon as it is found to prevent costly water damage to the surrounding areas.
In the event a leak escapes notice, a water damage restoration expert is needed to clean up the mess. ServiceMaster by Replacements is equipped with IICRC certified crews, powerful water extraction machinery, and the speed to return your home or business to its pre-loss condition.
Once our skilled specialists remove the excess moisture from the premises, we dry the area fully. A cleaning of the property follows. Any damage resulting from the water damage is promptly restored. Additionally, we offer content cleaning services at our state-of-the-art facility.
Technicians at ServiceMaster by Replacements are qualified to clean water damage from any source, including sewage backups and natural floodwater. We safely remove the contaminated water and perform a thorough disinfection to eliminate bacteria and return the area to a habitable condition.
Cleaning water damage is a time-sensitive task. The damage spreads rapidly, weakening structural materials, compromising the safety of the building, and leading to extensive mold infestations, if left unaddressed. Our water mitigation crews stand by 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.
ServiceMaster by Replacements crews stand prepared, whether your property undergoes water damage due to a flood, burst pipe, appliance malfunction, or any other cause. We serve New Jersey’s residential homeowners and business owners with pride.
Call us as soon as water damage of any size strikes. For all of your disaster restoration needs, contact us at (732) 842-6917 or fill out a form on our website.
