Can I fix a leak from my 5-year-old sink in my new kitchen, and what caused it to happen, and how can I prevent it in the future?
Asked by Martins Castro 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 27, 2024
Hey there! Our sink in the new kitchen is leaking, not the best situation. I noticed it’s coming from the spot I marked in red in the pictures. Do you think this is a DIY fix? Any idea why it happened and how we can prevent it from happening again? Appreciate your help!
You should replace the basket strainer. ‘t forget the silicone and a tool, or you can use two pairs of pliers.
Hey, does it happen often for the silicone around the basket strainer to wear out quickly? Is it normal for a basket strainer to stop working so soon?
A rubber gasket is what seals it underneath
They might have used putty to seal the top part
There are several reasons why it may have failed prematurely, but most likely it was due to improper installation
Silicone is more forgiving in that sense
Installing basket strainers is actually quite simple
Unfortunately, some can be difficult to remove and you might end up having to cut them
Hey, based on what I know… they actually used putty, my mistake, not silicone. I remember after the kitchen renovation, there was a lot of putty oozing out of the top of the basket strainer/inside the sink. And yes, the whole kitchen was done poorly 🤦♀️
So, if I replace this strainer, theoretically it should *hopefully* solve the issue? Of course, plumbing can be tricky and it might be something else.. haha
Oh wow! It seems like the leak is actually coming from the basket strainer
Although it could also be the tailpiece, but from the pictures, it doesn’t seem to be leaking
I think trying to fix the basket strainer first is a good idea!
I appreciate that, thanks!!
Haha, no need for silicone at all 🤣😂🤣
You know, it’s actually pretty easy to make silicone too thin. I find plumber’s putty to be a better choice for that. The problem might be the crack. If you can’t see it from the top, try removing the basket strainer for a better look. But yeah, I think the real issue is that the basket strainer wasn’t set right.
Hey , I find silicone easier to work with and more reliable for homeowners. I’ve used both in different plumbing settings, but silicone seems to be the preferred choice by most manufacturers for its durability. But to each their own, right?
Hey , maybe you just need to tighten that silver metal flange connecting the drain pipe. Try tapping it gently with a screwdriver and hammer or slip joint pliers to see if it moves. It could solve the issue without having to worry about the strainer basket.
Hey , I’m starting to think I might be getting up in age.
There is a crack near the sink drain, you may need to purchase a new sink
I noticed that too! I understand that there might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but how or why would something like that occur in a kitchen that’s less than 6 years old? I guess there’s no definitive answer, just trying to gain some insight! 🤷♀️ lol
It could honestly be a defect from the manufacturer or just normal wear and tear over time.
That’s just extra padding or insulation, not the actual sink. It’s a common feature on stainless steel sinks.
Exactly! It’s simply a pad to absorb sound. It has nothing to do with the leak.
Nope, that black material is there to dampen the noise of the sink. It’s attached to the stainless steel bowl. Like others have mentioned, try taking out and putting back the strainer or consider getting a new one.
I’m pretty sure the sink isn’t cracked. It’s actually insulated underneath with foam.
Those type of basket strainers are pretty unreliable. The deep ones with the small nut or the ones with screws are much better options.
Yep, Gabe is spot on. It seems like the seal on the basket has failed for some reason. Newer sinks may include 2 rubber gaskets – one for inside the sink between the basket and the sink itself, and one for under the sink between the sink and the big nut that holds the basket in place. Older sinks used plumbers putty instead of the upper rubber gasket. These gaskets can get stretched or fail for various reasons, leading to leaks. There’s a tool designed for tightening the nut, but you can also use a large pair of pliers if they’re big enough to fit around the nut. I’d recommend trying to tighten it first to see if that resolves the leak. If not, you may need to remove the basket and apply a sealant. Personally, I prefer plumbers putty, but some people opt for silicone. Alternatively, you could purchase new rubber gaskets, but the issue might recur in another 5 years.
Hey Jennifer, thanks a lot for the explanation. Much appreciated!
To fix the issue, loosen the nut and raise the sink strainer. Apply a line of silicone under the rim inside the sink, place the strainer back down, and tighten the nut. It could just be a poor initial installation.
Replace the sink drain. Maybe the rubber seal is torn or twisted slightly. There are only a few possible issues. Have you checked out any Youtube videos?
I was a bit lost when it came to YouTube, so I decided to come here first. Now that I have a better grasp of the lingo and what it’s all about, I’ve started watching some YT. Seems pretty straightforward! 🤞lol
Hey Amanda, check out a tutorial on YouTube for installing a kitchen sink drain.
It appears that the gasket has failed and there is a crack in the sink. It really should be replaced.
I really hope that’s not a crack I’m seeing in your sink. Grab a towel and carefully dry everything underneath. Place a stopper over the drain and fill the sink with water. While someone else pulls out the stopper, inspect the sink from below.
The sink is cracked, so it’s time for a new one.
Disassemble it, clear away all the plumbers putty, and put it back together using silicone instead, both on the top and underneath the sink.
This is precisely why I avoid using plumbers putty
The sink has a crack; it needs to be replaced.
I notice the crack, but I’m willing to bet the plumbers’ putty didn’t hold up on the strainer basket. I recently dealt with the same issue. It seems like people are moving away from putty because it tends to fail with hot water. I switched to 100% silicone, and that solved the problem. Just make sure to dismantle everything, remove the putty, and apply the silicone.
It appears they didn’t seat it correctly during installation
Your best option is to disconnect and replace the strainer and connections. Your brass is still good, just the strainer and nut
Thoroughly clean, and apply plumbing putty
The sink is cracked for sure. Can’t repair that. Possibly it was tightened too much from the start somehow