How To Fix A Leaking Sink Drain

A leaking sink drain can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem. The good news is that it is often a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. Here are the steps on how to fix a leaking sink drain:

Tools You'll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Slip joint pliers
Channel-type pliers
Bucket or bowl
Plumber's putty
Replacement drain washer

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the sink. This is usually done by turning the valves under the sink. If there are no valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 2: Remove the Drain Stopper

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the drain stopper in place. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the stopper.

Step 3: Remove the Drain Assembly

Use slip joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts that hold the drain assembly in place. Once the slip nuts are loose, you can remove the drain assembly.

Step 4: Inspect the Drain Washer

The drain washer is a rubber gasket that creates a seal between the drain assembly and the sink drain. If the drain washer is worn or damaged, it can cause a leak.

Step 5: Replace the Drain Washer (Optional)

If the drain washer is worn or damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, simply remove the old drain washer and replace it with a new one.

Step 6: Apply Plumber's Putty (Optional)

If the drain assembly does not have a drain washer, you can apply plumber's putty to create a seal. To do this, roll out a small piece of plumber's putty and form it into a ring. Place the ring of plumber's putty around the base of the drain assembly.

Step 7: Reinstall the Drain Assembly

Insert the drain assembly into the sink drain. Tighten the slip nuts to secure the drain assembly in place.

Step 8: Reinstall the Drain Stopper

Insert the drain stopper into the drain assembly. Tighten the nut to secure the drain stopper in place.

Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply

Turn on the water supply to the sink and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, your sink drain is now fixed.

Tips:

If you are not comfortable working on plumbing fixtures, it is best to call a plumber.
Be sure to use the correct size replacement drain washer.
If you are applying plumber's putty, be sure to apply it evenly around the base of the drain assembly.