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Tips on How To Fix Sink Drain Pipe?

Oct 01, 2021

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So you just finished your dinner, and now it's time to clean the dishes. You start using the kitchen sink and notice that there is water on the ground. But you don't remember spilling water.

A quick look at the interior of the sink reveals that the sink drain pipe is leaking. You have to finish cleaning the dishes, but doing so will only lead to more water on the floor. Calling the plumber is not an option.

In such scenarios, the only way to fix your sink drain pipe is to take matters into your own hands. Don't worry. It's not that difficult.

You just need some professional help, and that is why we are here. Your sink will look new in no time.

 

How to fix a sink drain pipe?


Cost: you can finish the job with around 10 to 15 dollars, depending on how much your local hardware store asks.

Time: depending on how serious the leakage is, this might take 15 minutes to a whole day. Don't worry. You won't have to work on the sink the whole day. It is the curing time.

You only need 1 or 2 tools and materials to completely fix the sink drain pipe. Here is the list of things required:

  • A wrench.

  • Thread tape.

  • Silicone glue/caulk.

  • Silicone glue gun.


As we have said earlier, depending on the leakage type, you might not need silicone glue at all. So that will cut down the cost half. Now, without further delay, let's start the process.

Step 1 - identifying the problem


To properly fix the problem, we must first identify where it is located. Turn on the tap and let the sink drain pipe fill with water. Now you will be able to find which valve is leaking.

Sometimes the water supply is the main culprit, but that's a topic for another day. Now drain out the drainpipe completely.

Make sure there is no water left inside. If you don't drain out every drop of water, the silicone might not stick properly.

Step 2 - tightening the drain pipe


First, take a bucket and place it under the leaking valve. This will catch any of the left water after you remove the P trap or the leaking valve. Now, as we mentioned, loosen up the valve and remove that particular drain pipe portion.

Clean the valve and nuts properly. After that, wrap a thread tape around the end of the valve or nut. Take a clean cloth and wipe off any remaining water.

Now tighten up the drainpipe just like you did when loosening it up. Put as much force as you like. If you can properly tighten it with your hands, you can use a wrench that fits the velvet. That should do the trick.

Now turn on the tap and let the water run through the drain pipe. If there is no visible leak, you can continue your work. But if it's still leaking, proceed to the next step.

Step 3 - preparing the pipe for caulking


If all the previous steps fail, we gotta bring out the big guns. Caulking is guaranteed to fix the leakage because it forms a watertight seal around the valve.

Follow the first half of step 2 and remove the pipe fitting. Scrap off any dust or debris present on the end of the pipe or valve. If there is already silicone present, remove them because the new silicone caulk does not stick to old ones.

Step 4 - applying silicone caulk


Cut the tip of the silicone tube at a 45-degree angle and put it on the silicone glue gun. Check if the silicone is coming out properly by pressing the trigger.

Now, slowly apply the silicone around the leaking valve or pipe. Do it with a single press of the trigger. There should not be any gap present in the silicone glue. Release the trigger once you are done.

Re-attach the pipe or valve and tighten it up. Use your fingertip to smooth the silicone line. Now let the sink drain pipe sit for at least 24 hours before testing the leakage.

Final words


There are numerous cases where damaged or loose pipes lead to something disastrous. Few drops of water leakage may seem like a minor issue at first, but it gets worse every second.

The number one cause for leaking pipes is jointed where the pipe connects. Calling a plumber to fix your leaking pipes every time might be a little too costly for some of us.

Not just that, knowing how to fix a sink drain pipe yourself means you won't have to be dependent on someone else. It saves time and money. Win-win for you.

Don't want to sound rude, but if this article does not help fix the problem, maybe it's time to get a new drain pipe.

Tags: English