What To Do When A Sink Trap Leaks?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Common kitchen water damages are caused by sink trap leaks.

A leaking pipe can be tough to navigate; let the professionals help

The pipe below your kitchen sink is called a sink trap. The purpose of a sink trap is to allow the water to flow and reach the sink tap. However, these pipes can easily cause water damage to your entire kitchen when not properly maintained. The good thing is that these pipes are designed to be easily changeable to keep you from suffering from a pipe burst or sink trap leak. 

In this blog post, you will learn the importance of fixing a leaking sink trap and the common causes why a sink trap may leak. 

A leaking sink trap can cause severe water damage

The leakage of a sink trap isn't similar to the leak from the pressurized water pipe. A leaking sink trap can cause major damages unless you notice pooling at the base of your cabinet early on. 

If a sink trap leak goes unnoticed for a long period, it will increase your water bill. An expensive water bill is not the only thing to worry about; if you do not notice the leak quickly, it can cause mold growth. 

Mix water damage with mold, and you can be certain that there will be structural damages to your home showing in the form of discoloration and stains. Be mindful that structural damage can decrease the value of your home as well.

Common causes of sink trap leaks

The most crucial thing when dealing with a leaking sink trap is to know the primary cause. Here are some common causes of a sink trap leak:

• Loose connections

If a P-Trap causes leakage, it probably is due to a loose connector that needs tightening. If this is the case, you need to get the appropriate size wrench and tighten the loose connection.

• Damaged O rings

Another common cause of a sink trap leak is the displacement of an O ring. Sometimes, the O ring moves out of its correct position, causing a leak. If the O ring happens to be out of place, then unscrew the two joining pieces and place them back together and ensure that the O ring is in the right place. Follow the same process if the O rings are worn out. Unscrew the trap and replace the old O ring. 

• Corrosion

Plumbing systems that haven't been maintained for years might be affected by rust or corrosion. Rust and corrosion can eat away the pipes and cause a sink trap leak. 

• Temperature changes

Sudden changes in the extreme water temperature can cause the water pipes to expand or contract. These radical changes from too hot to too cold can result in the pipes cracking, which will lead to water leakage. In such a case, make sure your sink traps are prepared for unexpected temperature changes. 

• Water pressure

Excess water pressure can destroy your water traps and eventually your house. If your traps are being strained with a pressure they can't withstand, they will leak. Contact a plumbing professional to help lower the water pressure to your property. 

Call the water damage pros for water damage repairs

If you happen to wake up one morning and find water on your kitchen floor, you need to call the professionals at SERVPRO ASAP! SERVPRO understands the worry and distress a water leakage can cause. 

When an IICRC certified water damage professional shows up to your property, they will start by locating the water damage source and then proceed with water mitigation services. For plumbing issues, they will ensure that the pipes are properly working to ensure secondary water damages don't occur.

SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties is a preferred water restoration vendor that provides the best team of heroes to repair any size water damage.