Kitchen sinks are used as much as any other appliance in the kitchen, and because of their frequency of use, they get damaged ever so often. If the kitchen sink drainpipe has sprung a small leak, a DIY enthusiast could undertake the repair task without calling a professional plumber. However, keep in mind that a professional like Haig & Menzel Contractors Pty Ltd best handles larger leaks and bigger problems. Here are some quick fixes for kitchen drainpipe leaks.
Inspect the Source of the Leak
Place a bucket below the drainpipe and let the water run through your kitchen taps. This will help you locate the source of the leak. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect the drain basket that attaches to the hole in the kitchen sink to determine the extent of the damage. By running the water through the drainpipe, the water will leak through the hole and give it away. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can start your repair job. Turn off the water flow right away and mark the area surrounding the leak. Wipe away any remaining water on the exterior of the pipe with a paper towel or rag.
Clean the Leaking Area
With some fine sandpaper, rub the pipe to remove all rust and debris from the leaking area. This is done to clean and prepare the drainpipe for applying epoxy putty for sealing the leak. Use a clean rag to rub the sanded area and remove any remainding particles of sandpaper.
Apply Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty is a hand-kneading sealant material that is ideal for several types of repair jobs, including sealing drainpipes. Epoxy putty usually hardens within a few minutes after mixing on the surface it is applied on. It comes in a handy roll, so you can remove what you need and save the rest for another job. Detach some epoxy putty from the tube and twist it in your hands until it forms an even colour throughout. This helps it to harden more securely against any damaged surface. Press the epoxy putty over the hole and push it firmly, so that it flattens against the drainpipe. Do this quickly, as the putty will start to harden in a few minutes. Let the epoxy putty harden for a few hours.
Turn on the Water to Re-Check the Leak
Before patting yourself on the back, turn your water back on and check the drainpipe to ensure that there are no further leaks. Let the water run for a few minutes as you inspect the pipe. Once you're happy with the fix, your work is complete.
This guide is designed to help you with fixing small leaks. For major leaks, it's always best to call in a professional plumber for a thorough repair job.
Share