Why Is My Drain Pipe Leaking?

What Causes A Drain Pipe To Leak?

A leaky drain. Few things are more annoying and perplexing. You take care of your plumbing. You don’t do anything crazy in the kitchen. What gives? Truthfully, drain pipes can leak for a lot of reasons, and they may not have anything to do with poor maintenance. Here are some of the things our leak protection specialists see most often. 

Loose Compression Nut

The compression nut creates a watertight connection between two pipes. When it’s loose, you’ll experience leaks that can be big or small depending on how loose the nut is and the intensity of the flow.

Luckily, this is one of the easiest drain pipe repairs that can be done in just a few minutes.

Worn Compression Nut

Maybe your sink is getting on in years, or general wear-and-tear has worn out your sink’s compression nut. If that’s the case, you’ll experience leaking until it is replaced. Fear not; this is both inexpensive and an easy repair job. You’ll have your sink back up and working like new in no time.

Ill-Fitted Pipes

If you’ve had a new kitchen sink installed recently, it’s possible that the pipes aren’t the right length. If pipes are too long or too short, you’re prone to leaks and even spontaneous bursts. Ill-fitted drain pipes create pressure, which can cause leakage and water damage if left untreated.

The best thing to do in this scenario is to contact a professional plumber and have them evaluate your sink’s plumbing structure.

Pipes Need Replaced

There are several main players in your kitchen’s drain system. First, the tailpipe. Then, you’ll notice a J-shaped pipe that is called the P-trap. This pipe is connected to another, which users water out of your sink and into your home’s main waste line.

If any of these pipes are damaged, then you’re prone to leaks even if you replace the compression nut. Leaks tend to worsen over time, and pipes can become eroded for a number of reasons. It could be old age, but there could also be clogs or internal erosion that’s causing water to escape.

Replacement costs vary depending on what needs to be swapped out. In some cases, it’s better to replace the entire structure to prevent leaks from spreading.

Water Pressure

Your home’s water pressure may be too high for your sink, which causes leaking even if there’s nothing wrong with the pipes or seals. High water pressure can lead to a variety of problems, even though you may not even think it’s too forceful.

The best water pressure for a house is between 40 to 45 psi, though some pressure regulators are set at 50. In some homes, they may even be 60 or 70. You can assess the water pressure in your house by applying an inexpensive pressure gauge to your main water supply.

Adjustments are easy, but if you aren’t sure where your supply is or how to change it, a plumber can show you exactly what to do and how to make any modifications in the future.

Patching the Leak

Although you’ll want to call in a professional to get to the root of the problem, you can work around the leak in the meantime. Apply some epoxy putty to the leak to create a temporary seal; just make sure you have the water shut off and nothing is left in the pipe first.

You could also use some repair tape to create a seal around the leaky pipe before help arrives. This is far from a permanent solution, but it can prevent water damage. You should also place some towels under the leaky pipe, and if dripping persists, use a bucket to catch the water.

Leak Detection & Repairs in Fort Myers

If you need a plumber in Fort Myers, don’t wait another day. Contact us at Aztec Plumbing & Drains for unmatched 24-hour care and repairs!

Learn More in Our Drain Cleaning Series:

• Why Do My Drains Gurgle
• Why Does My Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs
• Is Drain Lining Worth It?
• How to Clear Drains
• Chemical Free Ways to Unclog Drains
• What Causes Drain Flies
• Is Drain Cleaner Dangerous
• Can You Put Paint Thinner Down the Drain
• Why Do My Drains Back Up When it Rains?
• Is Hydro Jetting Better than Snaking?