Under Pressure: Easy-To-Do Sink Repairs

A typical homeowner will have to use caulking skills, faucet repair knowledge, and the ability to fix a leak at least once. You never know when something might go wrong. Use these skills to help you the next time you need to do some water maintenance at home.

Caulking

Professional contractors place caulk around a sink to create a seal, which stops water leaks. Since a sink is used every day, the caulk usually weakens and wears away. If a sink does not have a strong seal, water will damage the walls and flooring in the bathroom.

Begin this project by cutting away the old caulk with a utility knife. Then remove the old bead carefully with a razor blade. Finally, use an abrasive pad to clean the surfaces around the fixture. Next, apply a household bleach on the counter with a brush. The chemicals will eliminate any bacteria or mold spores. After the surfaces dry, you can apply the new sealant.

Faucet Repair

A leaky faucet with a squeaky handle wastes many gallons of water each day. In most cases, a faulty faucet will stop dripping after the seal is replaced.

A handle usually squeaks when the stem is worn. To correct this problem, you must remove the handle completely so you can cover the threads with grease.

If the aerator is clogged, water will continue to flow out of the faucet. The aerator is the screen found on the mouth of the fixture. You can make the water flow consistently by removing and flushing the aerator. After all of the lime deposits are removed, reattach the aerator to the faucet.

Leak Under the Sink

Most homeowners don’t detect leaks that occur under a sink since they remain hidden behind the cabinet. Drips that flow under a sink must be repaired quickly because the moisture can ruin floors and the entire cabinet.

Water-supply lines are always under pressure which is why certain pipes drip and spray slowly over time. To tighten the pipes, you must grip and rotate the valve with a sturdy wrench. If the leak is located in an area that is difficult to access, tighten the lines with strong locking or adjustable pliers.
When a sink has a hidden leak, the water is probably dripping from the sink drain. In this situation, unscrew the drain and put plumber’s putty on the damaged area.

In some cases, specialized tools will be needed to repair a sink. If you don’t have access to these tools, contact a plumbing company like A P Plumbing who can help you out. Hopefully next time something unexpected happens with your sinks you’ll have the know-how to fix it.