Wash Basin Leakage: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

A wash basin leakage becomes a frustrating issue which people ignore until they find themselves in a 7am Tuesday morning flood. Most basin and kitchen sink leaks present no emergency because homeowners can solve them without immediate plumber assistance. 

So, in this article, I want to walk you through the exact things you need to know. From the causes of basin leakage to the easy fixes that work (and will probably work for you too).

Why Wash Basin Leakage Occurs 

1. Loose Connections
   The pipes underneath your wash basin experience natural wear which causes them to become loose with time. The combination of water pressure fluctuations and regular usage and minor movements create enough force to make fittings move slightly until water starts leaking. Even a slightly loose nut can lead to a steady drip.
2. Worn Washers and O-Rings
   Rubber washers do a lot of work behind the scenes. The washers lose their effectiveness when they dry out or develop cracks which create tiny openings that result in wash basin leakage. The most frequent areas where this issue occur are near taps and connectors.
3. Ageing Sealant
   Silicone around basins and kitchen sinks doesn’t last forever. When it peels, shrinks, or becomes moldy, it stops keeping water in the right place. Water can then slip between the sink and counter or run down areas that should stay dry.
4. Blocked Drains
   The blockage in drains creates pipe pressure that pushes water out through previously sealed joints. The main reason for clogged drains stems from hair accumulation along with soap scum, oil and food residue.
5. Cracked Pipes or Fixtures
   A cracked drainpipe or chipped sink will let water enter through these openings although they occur less frequently. The passage of time together with accidental damage and production defeats results in cracks that form in pipes and fixtures.

Working Out Exactly Where the Leak is Coming From

You must start by drying everything with a towel while making sure all surfaces are dry before you can begin repairs. The method works as follows:

Start by drying all areas before proceeding. The water stream will immediately show you the exact location of the weak point.

Perform these steps:

1. Make sure all pipes and their surrounding areas are completely dry.
2. Turn on the water.
3. Examine the area under the sink with your phone torch.
4. Fill the basin with water before letting it drain to check the waste pipe for leaks.

The leak becomes visible only when you discover its location. The test will show you that the problem exists in the drainage pipe instead of the tap.

Fixes

The following quick solutions will resolve most water leaks after you identify their source. The following solutions work for both basins and kitchen sinks because they involve basic steps.

 
1. Tightening the Loose Bits
You can stop water from dripping through joints by using an adjustable spanner to tighten the nut. 
Tip from experience:
Avoid applying excessive force when working with plastic pipes because it will damage them. A single hand turn followed by a small additional rotation should be sufficient for fixing the leak. 
The simple act of tightening loose connections solves an astonishing number of water leaks.

 
2. Replace Washers and O-Rings
The source of most leaks emerges from worn-out rubber washers which operate in tap areas and connection joints.

1. First shut off the water supply because this step is essential.
2. Extract the leaking component from its connection point. 
3. Insert a new washer into the assembly to replace the worn-out one (these cost only a few dollars).
4. Reconnect all parts of the system.

The entire process requires less than 15 minutes to complete, and the dripping will stop completely.

 
3. Re-Silicone Around the Edges
The appearance of water leaking from the bench edges indicates that the silicone seal has reached its end. The process of re-siliconing requires basic hand work. The first step requires removing the existing silicone before you can clean the area with methylated spirits as your clearing solution. 
Once everything is dry, a fresh bead of silicone can be applied around the edge and smoothed out with a finger or a small finishing tool. After it dries overnight, the new seal forms a strong, watertight barrier that stops moisture from escaping.

 
4. Clear a Blocked Drain
A blocked drain generates enough water pressure which allows liquid to pass through small openings thus leading people to believe there exists a plumbing leak. The standard drain maintenance procedure includes three steps: start by pouring hot water into the drain, followed by a bicarb soda and vinegar mixture and finish with hot water rinsing. A basic drain snake tool effectively solves most cases of severe drain blockages. The removal of blockages along with decreased water pressure will typically make the leak disappear by itself.  

 
5. Replace the P-Trap
The P-Trap which runs as a curved pipe under the sink becomes the source of leakage when the basin drains. Most hardware stores carry new traps with washers which customers can purchase for replacement purposes. The replacement process of a P-Trap starts by removing the old unit through unscrewing before installing the new one and completing all connections while testing the seal through water flow. A quick trap replacement will create an appropriate seal that prevents water from leaking through the drainage system.

When It’s Best to Call a Professional

Considering all the things listed above, however, in some situations professional help is needed. If there is water leaking from the walls, if the pipes are rusty, or if you have done everything you think can help, but the problem is still there, then you should call a professional to help you. Solving these problems should be as quick as possible, because the longer we wait, the more problems arise.

What All This Means

The initial discovery of a wash basin leakage seems daunting, but you can identify most causes as straightforward problems. The solutions for these problems remain straightforward. 
You can resolve most problems with your basins and kitchen sinks through basic tool usage, patience and simple detective work. The process of fixing one leak will make you feel like a hero who protects your household.