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Page 42 — Appliances & Around the House

How to Fix a Sink Dripping Underneath

A drip under the sink is almost always a loose P-trap connection or a worn slip joint washer. Both are simple fixes that require no special skills.

P-Trap Washer Kit
Danco makes a washer kit that covers all standard P-trap slip joint sizes.
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Channellock Pliers
Tightens slip nuts on P-trap connections without damaging the plastic fittings.
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Plumber's Putty
Applied around drain flanges if the leak is coming from the drain basket.
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1
Locate the Leak and Tighten Slip Nuts

Dry everything under the sink. Run water and watch carefully to see exactly where the drip is coming from. Use pliers to tighten the slip nuts at both ends of the P-trap. Run water and check.

2
Replace the Washers If Needed

If tightening doesn't stop the leak, the slip joint washers are worn. Loosen the slip nuts, remove the P-trap, and inspect the washers inside each nut. Replace any that are hard, cracked, or deformed. Reassemble and test.

3
Apply Plumber's Putty If the Drain Basket Is Leaking

If the leak is at the drain basket, the putty seal underneath has failed. Remove the drain basket, clean off old putty, roll a fresh rope of plumber's putty and press it under the flange, and reinstall.

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