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View Full Version : Help! Slow leak under kitchen sink!


quara
Jul 18, 2014, 11:51 AM
There is a slow leak under my kitchen sink. It appears to be from the faucet supply line. I just discovered the leak and it has been going on for some time. There is apparent water damage to and staining on the surface below the leak.

I have tried to tighten the nut where it appears to be leaking and it's either stuck, I don't have enough leverage/strength, or that's not the issue. I am currently catching the water in a 1.5 quart mixing bowl. I've emptied the bowl twice (about half full each time) since I discovered the leak.

The home was built in 1979. These fixtures seem relatively new, but I'm not sure of the exact age. There is no rust or mineral deposit.

ma0641
Jul 18, 2014, 04:37 PM
Is it leaking at the faucet connection or at the angle stop (shut off)? Harder to tighten the top without a basin wrench. Bottom can usually be done with a crescent wrench.

massplumber2008
Jul 18, 2014, 04:46 PM
Mystery leaks require the use of a flashlight and some toilet paper...;) Use the flashlight and take some toilet paper and test around the joint in question and then work upward with a different piece of toilet paper until the paper doesn't get wet. Once you know exactly which joint is an issue we can tell you how to tighten it, OK?

Mark

quara
Jul 18, 2014, 05:34 PM
Thanks for your help. I have taken a picture and a short video of where the leak is. It appears to be the angle stop. That's the only part that's wet. You can also see the condition of some of the other piping.

I appreciate your professionalism.

Here is a link to a picture I took of the leak: http://tinyurl.com/mkjbdz3

afaroo
Jul 18, 2014, 09:06 PM
Hello Quara,

Please look at the image and tell us where is the leak, Thanks.

John

quara
Jul 18, 2014, 09:22 PM
The red arrow indicates where the leak is from what I can tell.

46303

afaroo
Jul 19, 2014, 02:41 AM
If the red arrow washer is bad the water will be leaking from your faucet spout not from the angle valve, what I would suggest to tighten the packing nut 1/4 of a turn if you can and see if the leak stops, also I am not able to open your attachment, good luck.

John

quara
Jul 19, 2014, 09:52 AM
Thank you for your response and help. I've updated my previous post to make the picture more readily visible.

I will follow your suggestion. Thanks again.

afaroo
Jul 19, 2014, 11:43 AM
In this case you need to tighten the nut a little bit at a time see the image below, if that doesn't help shut the water to the house open the nut remove the angle valve clean the threads apply some Teflon tape install the angle valve turn on the water and try if your problem is fixed good luck.

John

quara
Jul 21, 2014, 09:20 PM
Thank you for all the responses. I ended up having the issue checked by a plumber, and this leak was a symptom of a much bigger problem that may not have otherwise been caught. The larger problem will be addressed this week.

Thanks again!