Sink leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems in any Glendale home — and one of the easiest to ignore. A small drip under the cabinet or a slow puddle around the faucet might not seem urgent, but even minor leaks can quickly turn into expensive repairs. Water damage, mold growth, swollen cabinets, and rising water bills are just a few of the problems homeowners face when they wait too long to act.
The good news? Most sink leaks start small and are easy to diagnose when you know what to look for. In this guide, we break down the most common causes of kitchen and bathroom sink leaks, how to fix them safely, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Causes of Sink Leaks
Before you fix the leak, you need to locate the problem. Most leaks come from one of these areas:
1. A Loose or Worn-Out P-Trap
The P-trap is the curved pipe under the sink. Over time, its connections loosen or the rubber washers inside wear down, causing drips.
2. Leaking Faucet Base or Handles
If water pools around the faucet when you run the sink, the O-rings or seals inside the faucet assembly may be worn out.
3. Damaged Supply Lines
Flexible water supply lines feeding hot and cold water to the sink can crack or loosen, especially in older Glendale homes or in homes with hard water buildup.
4. Worn Sink Strainer (Kitchen Sinks)
If water leaks from directly under the drain, the strainer basket or plumber’s putty seal may be failing.
5. Clogged Drain Causing Pressure Build-Up
A clogged drain can force water through weak seals, eventually creating leaks under the sink.
How to Diagnose the Leak in 2 Minutes
Here’s a quick way to pinpoint the source:
Clear out everything under the sink.
Place a dry paper towel or cloth under the pipes and faucet base.
Run the water for 20–30 seconds.
Watch where the first drip appears.
– If the towel under the P-trap gets wet → trap leak
– If water shows on supply lines → connection leak
– If water pools around the faucet base → faucet leak
– If water appears directly under the drain → strainer leak
Once you identify the problem, you can try the right fix.
How to Fix Kitchen & Bathroom Sink Leaks
Below are step-by-step solutions homeowners can safely try.
1. Fixing a Leaking P-Trap
Common symptoms:
Drips under the sink, wet cabinet floor, musty smell.
How to fix it:
Tighten the slip nuts on both ends of the trap using your hands.
If leaking continues, remove the trap.
Inspect the rubber washers — if cracked or flattened, replace them.
Reinstall the trap and hand-tighten the nuts snugly (no wrench needed).
When to call a pro:
If the trap is corroded, cracked, or repeatedly loosens.
2. Fixing Leaking Faucet Handles or Base
Symptoms:
Water pooling around faucet when the sink runs.
How to fix it:
Turn off the water supply.
Remove the handle using a screwdriver.
Replace the worn O-ring inside with a matching size.
Reassemble and test.
When to call a pro:
If the faucet cartridge or valve body is damaged.
3. Fixing Leaking Water Supply Lines
Symptoms:
Water spraying, dripping, or running from the flexible hoses.
How to fix it:
Tighten the connection using your hand or small wrench.
If the leak continues, replace the entire supply line.
Replacement lines cost $8–$15 and take 5 minutes to install.
Warning:
If a supply line bursts, it can cause major flooding — shut off water immediately.
4. Fixing a Leaking Kitchen Sink Strainer
Symptoms:
Water leaks directly under the drain.
How to fix it:
Loosen the locknut holding the strainer from underneath.
Remove the strainer and clean old plumber’s putty.
Apply fresh plumber’s putty.
Reinstall strainer and tighten securely.
When to call a pro:
If the locknut is rusted or difficult to access.
5. Fixing Sink Leaks Caused by Clogs
Symptoms:
Slow draining, gurgling, water backing up, moisture under sink.
Clogs increase pressure and force water through weak pipe joints.
How to fix it:
Use a plunger to clear mild blockages.
Try a drain snake for deeper clogs.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes.
Call a pro if:
The clog returns repeatedly or the sink backs up into other drains.
Signs Your Sink Leak Is Getting Worse
Even small leaks can escalate quickly. Watch for:
Swollen or discolored cabinets
Mold or mildew odor
Water stains on the floor
Higher water bills
Corrosion on pipes
Soft or spongy wood under the sink
These are signs of hidden moisture damage — time to call a plumber.
Preventing Future Sink Leaks
A few simple habits can protect your kitchen and bathroom plumbing:
✔ Tighten connections every 6 months
Hand-tighten the P-trap and supply lines.
✔ Check for moisture monthly
A quick inspection prevents major surprises.
✔ Avoid dumping grease or food in the kitchen sink
Grease hardens and causes clogs that stress the pipes.
✔ Clean faucet aerators and handles regularly
Keeps interior components from wearing down prematurely.
✔ Install quality supply lines
Braided stainless steel lasts longer and resists bursting.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
DIY solutions work for small leaks — but Glendale homeowners should contact a professional when:
You see mold under the sink
The leak comes from inside the wall
The cabinet is severely damaged
The leak returns after fixing
Water is spraying, not dripping
Fast action saves money and prevents serious home damage.
Need Help with a Sink Leak in Glendale? We’re Here 24/7
If you’re dealing with a kitchen or bathroom sink leak, the experts at All Drains Emergency Plumbing can help. We provide fast, affordable, same-day repairs throughout Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Sun City, and nearby areas.
📞 602-369-0958
🌐 alldrainsemergencyplumbing.com
Whether it’s a small drip or a major emergency, our team is available 24/7 to fix the problem before it gets worse.
