Step by Step Guide: How to Fix a Leaky Sink Drain Pipe (4 Quick Methods)

It’s always such a hassle when you find a damaged or leaking pipe in your sink’s drain.

If you detect a leak, it typically implies that your pipelines are weak, broken, or worn out. You may ask how to fix a leaky sink drain pipe?

Thankfully, fixing your leaking drain and pipes is fairly basic and you can do it at home with a few resources. If the spill flows from the pipes, then it can be from weak joints or breakage. To fix this, apply some epoxy putty to stop the leaks. If the leak emanates from the bottom of your bathroom sink, then replacing the sink strainer can fix the problem. If your pipes are still leaking, then replacing the p-trap can solve this problem.

Let’s begin with some simple and quick repairs to prevent any leaky pipes, and then discuss more substantial options depending on where you detected the problem!

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How to Fix a Leaky Sink Drain Pipe

Repair a Leaky Sink Drain Pipe Using Epoxy Putty

Step 1: Locate the Slip Nut

• Two part epoxy putty is composed of a base and an adhesive and when combined, they form a seal around the pipe they’re applied to.
• Simply mix both putties together in your hand until they’ve been completely mingled.
• Then, using your fingers, push the putty into the part of the pipe that is leaking until it is about half inches thick.
• Allow the putty to set for the specified period of time given on the container before flushing water down the drain to ensure proper finish.
• It is possible to get two part epoxy putty from a hardware shop.
• It is perfect for use with any kind of leaking pipe.
• Even though the putty is successful in stopping the leak, you should search for a more permanent repair as soon as possible, because this method, only gives a temporary fix.

Step 2: Change the Rubber Gaskets

• Even though it is designed for low-flow leaks, silicone tape performs better when used across the connections in your drain pipe.
• Stretch the tape firm and roll it tightly around the pipe, covering 1⁄2 of the piece beneath it with every round of the tape reel.
• Continue to wrap the tape around the leak beyond the corners of the leak to ensure that it produces a hermetic seal.
• Silicone tape will not attach immediately to your pipe, but it will adhere to itself, making it simple to remove afterwards if necessary.
• Furthermore, it fits on any kind of pipe, which makes it quite versatile.

Step 3: Mount the Clamp

• In order to connect to the pipe, clamps contain a flexible rubber element called a gasket and a metal fastening that goes around it.
• Just make sure you choose a clamp that has the proper size for your pipe in order to ensure a tight seal.
• Make sure the gasket is securely compressed against the part of pipe that is dripping.
• It is recommended to mount the clamp on the head of the gasket and tighten it all around the pipe.
• Now, using a wrench, screw the clamp all the way down so that no water can leak.
• Clamps can be used on any sort of pipe that has to be repaired.
• Clamps should not be used on junctions or corners because they will not fit correctly around your pipe’s circumference.

Also read: How to fix a leaky shut off valve

Repair a Leaky Sink Drain Pipe Using Plumber’s Tape

Step 1: Locate the Slip Nut

• A lot more these days. All you have is a weak slip nut, which is a circular fastener that connects two pipes together.
• Locate the first slip nut, which is located in the area below your kitchen sink.
• Then, you have to rotate the slip nut in the opposite direction of the clock until it becomes hand-tight.
• Continue working your way down the tube, adjusting each and every nut along the way.
• You should avoid overtightening the slip nuts, as this might cause damage or stripping of the nut.
• Pour some water into your drain and see whether there are any leaks left after that.
• It is possible that there are slip nuts present; if so, tighten them by a quarter-turn using a pair of pliers.

Step 2: Change the Rubber Gaskets

• Gaskets are the little rubber bits that slip between pipes to create a watertight seal, preventing water from entering.
• You have to remove the rubber gaskets from the drain pipe by loosening the slip nuts that run along the pipe.
• After removing the gaskets, inspect them for breaks or damage.
• Incase you find any breakage, change the old gaskets with new ones that are the same size as the originals.
• Many gaskets will have a broader end and a smaller end, with the wider end being the more common.
• Now, you should insert the thin end of the gasket into the pipe using your fingers.
• It is preferable to put the rubber gasket directly into the tube when changing the gaskets on a slip nut, as shown in the illustration.
• Ensure the thinner end of the gasket is pointing in the direction of the end of the pipeline where you’ll be connecting the two pieces.
• The plumbing area of your home improvement store will have new gaskets that you can purchase.

Step 3: Wrap the Plumber’s Tape

• Plumber’s tape, often known as Teflon tape, is used to form a watertight seal when pipes are connected together.
• If you still have metallic sink drain pipes, you will need to loosen the slide bolts that hold them in place.
• Roll the plumber’s tape around the threads in a clockwise direction, covering each turn by 1/2 the breadth of the tape.
• Before breaking the tape, continue to wrap till you reach the threaded ends and putting your kitchen sink drain back together.
• Avoid wrapping the tape around the pipe in a counter-clockwise direction because it may stiffen up or tear when you connect the pipeline back into the bathroom sink drain.
• It is not recommended to use plumber’s tape on PVC pipe or plastic tubes because it may force the pipes to be overtightened or cracked.

Also read: How to fix a leaky bathtub faucet

Fix a Leaky Sink Drain Pipe Using P-trap

Step 1: Empty the Remaining Water

• In spite of the fact that your drain pipe is not dripping with water, leftover water may get trapped in the P-trap.
• The P-trap is nothing but the J-shaped section of leaky drain pipe which is present below your sink.
• I recommend that you empty the area under your drain pipes so that you can place a bowl or container right beneath your drain pipes to collect any water.
• Depending on the model, some P-traps feature a screw-off valve at the bottom that may be used to empty the remaining water.
• If you have a situation like this, you can simply rotate the P-trap valve counter-clockwise to empty the leftover water.

Step 2: Remove Slip Nuts

• Slip nuts are the spherical fasteners that link two pipes together.
• You should begin with the slip nut at the point where your sink drain attaches to the single vertical pipe below your sink.
• To thoroughly release the nut, twist it clockwise.
• Keep following the water pipe and unplug any additional slip nuts till you find the horizontal pipe that is emerging out of your wall.
• As soon as you remove the slip nuts that are connected to each length of pipe, the segment would simply separate.

Step 3: Cut off the Water Supply

• If just the J-shaped piece of the P-trap is destroyed, you will simply need to unscrew the slip nuts that link that particular piece of water pipe.
• The other pipelines that are linked to your drain and wall may be left in place.
• Note: You should ensure that nobody uses the kitchen sink once you have disconnected any drain tubes, or otherwise water will run into the floor from the sink.
• If possible, you can switch off the water supply immediately at your sink to ensure that nobody ever uses it.
• Locate the supply valve that is linked to the wall and rotate it clockwise to cut off the water supply.

Step 3: Purchase New P-Trap

• Take your P-trap, as well as every other drain pipe that you have removed, to the hardware shop near your home.
• Your modern P-trap package will include all of the pipes, gaskets, and slip nuts that you will need to complete the installation.
• Please double-check that the replacement kit you purchase has a P-trap and pipes that are precisely the same dimensions as your original ones, or else they will not fit correctly.
• Most P-trap kits are constructed of PVC, which makes them simple to install and disassemble, but you may also purchase metal drain kits if you like.

Step 4: Attach the Slip Nut

• Join your drain with the longest portion of pipe.
• Insert the slip nut into the drain’s threading while holding the head of the piping against the base of your sink’s drain.
• To fasten the slip nut into your drain, simply rotate it counter-clockwise.
• A hinged washer, which is a circular rubber component that fits into the pipe’s tip, may be included along with the pipe.
• Incase your P-trap package includes a washer, then insert the thinner end of the washer into the drain pipe.
• The trap arm is a small portion of pipe that stretches out through your wall at a sharp angle.
• You should place the broader end of a flanged washer on the trap arm’s upright edge.
• The trap arm should then be slipped into the drain pipe protruding from your wall, forming a hermetic seal with the washer.
• The trap arm may then be secured in position by tightening the slip nut.

Step 5: Mount the New P-Trap

• Attach the trap arm and the upright drain pipe with the slip nuts and flanged washers.
• You should also ensure that the washers’ thin ends face toward the tube’s open or free end.
• Then, you have to mount the P-trap on the endpoints of the pipelines and twist the slip nuts till they are tight and firm.
• There’s no need to apply any sealer or pipe adhesive, because you’ll want to disassemble the P-trap later.

Step 6: Check For Leaks

• Switch on the faucet and pour the water down the drain in your sink.
• Keep an eye on your pipelines and fittings to make sure no water is seeping out.
• If water drips, then you have to twist your slip nuts a quarter-turn counter-clockwise using a pair of pliers.

Fix a Leaky Drain Pipe Using Sink Stopper or Strainer

Incase your leak is coming from the point where your drain meets your sink, you might have to change the strainer immediately.

Step 1: Loosen the Slip Nut

• Food is prevented from going into your pipes by using a sink strainer, and it is also where wastewater flows out of your sink.
• By crawling below your sink, you can locate the spherical slip nut that is located between the straight drain pipe and the base of the sink strainer.
• You should be able to simply release the slip nut by hand by gently twisting it in the opposite direction of the clock.
• If you are having difficulty, it is possible to pry the slip nut free using a pair of pliers.

Step 2: Remove the Sink Strainer

• Locknuts are huge hexagonal metal or plastic fasteners that secure your sink strainer to the underside of your sink’s drainboard.
• Using a set of channel locking pliers, secure the locknut in place for the greatest possible grip.
• To loosen the locknut, turn it counter-clockwise.
• Continue to loosen the locknut until it is no longer attached to your sink.
• After that, just take the strainer by the hand and pull it straight out of the top of your sink.
• Some strainers are held in place by screws that are visible.
• Using a screwdriver instead of a hammer will work in this situation.
• There are several different types of sink strainers, so take your old strainer along with you to the home improvement store so that you can figure out which one to acquire next time.
• Make an effort to find one that is the same type and size as the previous one in order to reduce the probability of encountering issues.
• Bell washer sink strainers are distinguished by a huge bell-shaped element that attaches right beneath the sink.
• Locknut strainers are secured in place by a big threaded nut, which prevents leaks from occurring.
• Any putty from the previous installation, as well as some muck that has collected across the drain hole, are most likely to be found.
• Now, you need to take a moist paper towel and carefully wipe the area surrounding the hole to ensure that your desk is free of dirt and debris.

Step 3: Apply Plumber’s Putty

• Putty is a non-adhesive compound that is used to form a water-tight seal across drains and other plumbing fixtures.
• Pick up some plumber’s putty and mix it together until it’s simple and easy to deal with, maybe a tablespoon or so.
• Use your hands to stretch the putty between your palms to form a lengthy rope that is about 1/2 inches thick.
• Next, you have to apply the plumber’s putty all across the edge of the drain hole.
• Plumber’s putty is available for purchase at your local hardware shop.

Step 4: Install the New Strainer

• If the strainer is made up of numerous sections, remove the upper and bottom portions of the strainer.
• Match the top portion of the strainer with the opening hole and gently press it down into the putty to seal it in the hole.
• Make an effort to position the drain in the hole so that there is no space between it.
• It is OK if excess putty pushes out from the edges of the sink strainer during installation.
• Simply clean it away and toss it in the dust bin.

Step 5: Tighten the Lock Nut

• Use needle-nose pliers to insert them into the strainer’s aperture from the top and secure them gently in place to prevent the strainer from sliding while you are working.
• Hand-tighten the locknut by turning it in a clockwise direction.
• Use a pair of channel-locking pliers to twist the locknut by a quarter turn further and secure it in place.
• Without holding the sink strainer in position, it will whirl around and fail to properly seal in the moisture.
• Avoid overtightening your strainer in order to prevent damage to it or your sink.

Step 6: Check for leaks

• Now, you have to rematch the slip nut on the upright drain pipe with the base of the sink strainer so that it is parallel to the floor.
• Next, rotating it counter-clockwise will help to snug it against the drain pipe.
• Continue to tighten the nut by hand until it is firm.
• Now insert your sink and turn on the water supply from your faucet.
• Ensure there isn’t any water leaking below your sink.
• After that, unhook your drain and allow the water to flow out.
• Ensure there aren’t any leaks in your pipelines.
• When you still have leaks, have a professional plumber inspect your sink.

Why your Sink Drain Pipe Leaks ?

You’ll certainly be asking yourself what created the leak in the first place once you’ve cleaned up the hot water and dried off your damp possessions.

There are a few factors that might be the source of this type of leaking sink.

Some of the most prevalent reasons for kitchen sink drain pipe leaks are as follows:

1. Clogged P-trap

Clogs in your drain line may increase pressure on the piping system, causing it to fracture and leak. This might be the cause of a sink that isn’t draining properly and appears to be dripping.

2. Incorrect Size of Drain Pipe

I’ve seen a number of strange drain pipes, but they are not the right size for the sink and do not really fit together. If your drain pipelines were the wrong size, then there would be too much stress and water pressure at the connecting point, forcing them to leak.

3. Loose compression nut

One of the most frequent causes of a leaking drain pipe at the junction is a weak compression nut. Quite often, the cause of a leaking drain pipe is just a loose compression nut. Before hiring a plumber, try tightening it yourself if you’re confident in doing this, and see if it solves the problem.

Before hiring a plumbing service, try tightening it yourself if you’re confident in doing this, and see if it solves the problem.
If twisting the compression nut does not stop the leak, it is possible that the nut is fractured or has chipped or worn-down studs. If that’s the case, water may readily escape at the connecting spot, resulting in a sewer pipe leak.