Ask Me Help Desk - Leaky pipe under kitchen sink

Hi,

I just moved into my new house and I have a problem with the kitchen sink. When water is just running through the sink and pipes, there is no leaking. However, when I fill up the sink with water (say to soak pots) and then let the water out, the pipes underneath leak terribly as though the pipes can't support that volume of water being sent through them.

Also, I checked the pipes and one of them appears loose (I can twist it), but it's not come off and there doesn't appear to be any obvious signs of leaking otherwise.

Any advice?

The full sink draining puts more pressure on the lines than does regular draining - and this extra pressure is squeaking through a weak spot, probably a joint.

Dry everything off real well under there, fill up the sink, let it drain - and while it is draining, look and feel around real well to locate where it's coming from.

10 to 1 says it's a joint that just needs taken apart, cleaned and put back together snugly (but not as tight as you can).

And be sure the washer in the joint is seated well in the tube.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann-Desi

Hi,

I just moved into my new house and I have a problem with the kitchen sink. When water is just running through the sink and pipes, there is no leaking. However, when I fill up the sink with water (say to soak pots) and then let the water out, the pipes underneath leak terribly as though the pipes can't support that volume of water being sent through them.

Also, I checked the pipes and one of them appears loose (I can twist it), but it's not come off and there doesn't appear to be any obvious signs of leaking otherwise.

Any advice?

Rick gave you good advice. You should have two compression nuts. One on top of the trap and another larger one securing the "J" bend of the trap. If you can loosen either one by hand they're too loose. Tighten with a pipe wrench or a large set of pliers. Please describe the pipe that appears loose. What's it connect to? How many joints leak and describe them if you can? I'll wait on your answer. Regards, Tom