Sink Repair Northglenn

Typical indicators that your sink requires repair include the presence of water leaking, the sink draining slower than usual, and odd sounds coming from the pipes. Rust and corrosion on the pipes or around the sink point toward potential problems as well. If you notice water collecting beneath the sink, your first instinct may be to check for any tools or cleaning supplies you may have left behind. But if the area beneath the sink seems newly flooded and any nearby surfaces are swelling or are unexpectedly damp, you might have a leak on your hands.

A seal failing may first show itself as visible cracks or spaces along the edges of the sink. You might also see water escaping from the sink and gathering around the base. If the sink is still in its allotted space in the countertop and hasn't shifted, then the seal is probably failing. Otherwise, the sink is the same. Over time, the space between the sink and the top of the vanity has filled with mildew, nasty wet stuff that you can smell, see, and sometimes feel. Checking around the sink every week for signs of water, mold, or mildew can help you catch a failing seal before it causes real damage.

To carry out basic sink repairs, a simple toolkit can be the most essential resource. This might entail having a set of essential plumbing tools available—like a pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers that can be used to grip a variety of fasteners—to deal with the kinds of issues found in simple sink assemblies. For a more advanced toolkit, a plumbing snake could be added to the mix for clearing minor clogs; however, as with all plumbing repairs, having a bucket on hand is a good idea. And for all repairs, some basic fix-it supplies would be a smart investment.

To repair a leaking sink trap, first, put a bucket underneath to catch any water that might spill out. Next, unscrew the slip nuts that hold the trap in place, taking care not to damage them. Once the slip nuts are unscrewed, gently pull away the trap to remove it from the plumbing. Inspect all parts of the trap for any signs of leakage. If any cracks or breaks are found, you're going to need to replace the trap. But, if all parts look good, reassemble, using fresh washers and plumber's tape to ensure a tight seal.

Rumbling or gurgling sounds in a sink or tub can mean several things, but the experts at This Old House tend to associate those noises with problematic venting or a partial blockage somewhere in the drain line. That's because such sounds are often emitted from a drain when trapped or "gulped" air tries to make its way through the water that's filling up a section of the drain line, usually right before it heads downward. On a rare occasion, what you might be hearing could actually be a bathtub or sink drain doing its job, but we think it's a safe bet to have a vent or drain issue checked out, especially if the gurgling is more than momentary.

The danger of getting a clogged sink can be greatly diminished by careful and considerate actions, particularly when it comes to what goes down the drain. Most importantly, never pour any amount of fat, grease, or oil down the sink. These substances congeal and cause nasty blockages that are best avoided. One's sink can also be made less likely to clog by installing a simple, inexpensive device—a drain screen is the best. Finally, regular maintenance can head off nearly all sink clog situations before they develop.

In a perfect world, you'd do a simple visual check and a few basic maintenance tasks on your sink every couple of months. These tasks wouldn't take more than a few minutes and include checking for any leaks under or around the sink, ensuring the sealant is doing its job, and making sure the aerator is clean. Scheduling a sink inspection with a plumbing professional once a year could help identify any problems you might not have noticed.

Constantly unpleasant smells from your sink might mean a more serious underlying problem, like trapped debris or P-trap issues. Clean the P-trap first, since it can smell if there are any odors getting caught in it. But if that doesn't work, the next thing to do is check for mold or a sludge buildup somewhere in the sink's drainage. If you have this kind of stench in your life but can't figure out the reason, ensure you're not just using a sink that has an odor coming from it because you've neglected it.

When you hire a plumber, you are paying for the assurance that your sink will be repaired in a way that meets the local plumbing code, in a way that the average person might not even know is necessary, because the average person doesn't know the plumbing code. In most instances, compliance with the code is not necessary for the repair to be functional, but it is necessary for the repair to be efficient, for the repair to last, and for the repair to not be dangerous or environmentally harmful in any way that might get the client (the sink's owner) or the plumber into trouble.

DIY repairs are often not covered by warranties because they can void the agreement. Manufacturers often state in their warranty literature that repairs should only be attempted by certified professionals. Yet many sink problems are not so severe that they cannot be handled by a capable DIYer. If you're in over your head and can't figure out a problem after a reasonable time, it might be best to stop, consult with a pro, and maintain the validity of your warranty as well as proper plumbing amateurism.