Fixing a leaky drain basket is actually more complicated than fixing a sink pipe. In general, the most common cause of plumbing leaks is a loose plumbing connection. This problem can easily be overcome by tightening the nuts holding the pipe joints together or by wrapping the plumber’s tape around the joints. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to fix a sink leak.
1. Using a pair of slip-joint pliers, remove the nut connecting the sink piping to the basket strainer. Also, remove the nut connecting the pipe leading to the trap and house Drain Repair Toronto. Remove baskets and traps from sink plumbing for a clearer view.
2. Remove the large nuts securing the washers and remove the cardboard washers and rubber washers from the basket.
3. Use a rubber mallet or other firm but non-destructive tool to remove the plumber’s putty sealing the sink basket and sink together. Scrape any remaining putty residue around the hole in the sink with a putty knife.
4. After removing the drain basket flange, it should be thoroughly inspected for rust or other damage. In most cases, leaks are caused by water seeping from a crack in a plumber’s putty seal. If this is the cause of the problem, put the drain basket back in place and properly seal the part with putty. On the other hand, if the flange is already rusted, cracked, or damaged, replace it with a new one and repeat the same procedure to properly install the part again.
5. To strengthen the connection on the sink drain, apply thin plumbing putty rope under the drain basket flange. For PVC pipes, this method is sufficient to prevent further leakage. However, if your sink drain uses metal pipe, applying a plumber’s tape to the drain joint will help strengthen the joint.
6. Put the drain basket back in place. For a safe installation, you can ask a family member to hold the sink in place while you connect the plumbing. Don’t forget to put back the cardboard and rubber washers you removed earlier. If you are using a new drain basket to replace a damaged drain basket, use the new rubber washer that came with it.
7. Return all nuts to their original positions and ensure that all nuts are tight and properly installed. Before cleaning, make sure there are no further leaks in the sink drain basket or pipe connections.
When NOT to Use a Plumbing Snake
Before pulling out this handy drain cleaning tool, you should first be aware that not every drain can be safely cleared with a plumbing snake. There are certain situations in which you shouldn’t use one, including
If you have galvanized pipes. Typically found in older homes, galvanized pipes are made of material that can flake off inside the pipe itself. A plumbing snake could make this problem worse. Also, galvanized pipes are weaker than newer types of plumbing materials and can’t always hold up against the movement of a plumbing snake, which means you may end up needing major drain repair. If your drain lines are galvanized and clogging frequently, it may be time to consider the replacement of those lines.
If you’ve used a commercial drain cleaner. If your first attempt to clear the drain involved a commercial drain cleaner, a plumbing snake can cause the chemicals to splash back up, potentially injuring you. If you call your local Portland plumber for help with clogged or blocked drains and have used chemicals, always let the plumber know so he or she can bring protective materials.
