Sink Repair 101: Diagnosing and Fixing Common Issues

A sink problem always seems to find the worst possible moment. Maybe the kitchen is full of guests, or you’re stepping into the office breakroom before a big meeting—and there it is: water pooling under the cabinet, a slow drain, or the unmistakable drip-drip-drip that keeps you up at night.

At Monty’s Plumbing, we know that sink repair issues don’t wait for a convenient time. With decades spent fixing sinks in homes, restaurants, offices, and everywhere in between, we’ve seen it all—and solved it all, 24/7. We’re here to help you troubleshoot fast, stay safe, and know when it’s time to get sink repair near you.

Common Sink Repair Problems 🛠️

Let’s walk through the biggest sink headaches—why they happen, what you can try at home, and what they might be telling you about your plumbing system.

Leaks: Drips, Puddles, and Damp Cabinets

Leaks sneak up quietly. Maybe you spot a growing puddle under the sink, or the wood inside your cabinet feels soft and musty. The culprit could be:

• Loose pipe joints (especially under the drain)
• Worn-out washers or gaskets
• Cracked supply lines
• Corroded shut-off valves

What You Can Check:

• Dry the area and run a little water—can you spot where it’s starting?
• Gently wiggle pipes and fittings. Does anything feel loose?
• Look for mineral buildup or rust, which can point to slow leaks.

Why It Matters:

Small leaks rarely stay small. Over time, they warp cabinets, invite mold, and can even affect your water bill. If you hear water running when nothing’s on, or see your meter spinning, you may have a hidden leak elsewhere.

Clogs & Slow Drains: When Water Won’t Budge

Clogs are the traffic jams of your pipes. Hair, grease, food scraps, or soap—these build up until water just trickles (or stops entirely).

What You Can Try:

• Remove and clean the pop-up stopper or strainer.
• Use a plunger with a tight seal over the drain.
• Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to loosen grease.
• If you’re comfortable, try a plastic drain snake.

Warning Signs of Bigger Problems:

• Gurgling sounds or water backing up in other fixtures.
• Multiple slow drains at once (could mean a main line issue).
• Foul odors that linger.

Faucet Drips: The Little Things That Add Up

That steady drip isn’t just annoying—it’s money down the drain. Often, drips come from:

• Worn washers or cartridges
• Faulty O-rings
• Corrosion inside the faucet body

Quick Fix Steps:

• Turn off water supply valves before touching anything.
• Unscrew the faucet handle and check the washer or cartridge for wear.
• If parts look cracked or misshapen, they’ll need replacement.

Hidden Issues:

Persistent drips can also signal high water pressure, which stresses pipes and fixtures over time.

Water Pressure Issues: A Trickle Instead of a Stream

Low pressure makes rinsing dishes and washing hands a pain. It can be caused by:

• Mineral deposits in aerators
• Partially closed shut-off valves
• Leaks or corroded pipes
• Municipal supply problems

What to Do:

• Unscrew the faucet aerator and rinse out debris.
• Check that valves under your sink are fully open.
• Note if pressure is low everywhere (could point to a bigger issue).

Quick Safety Checklist

Plumbing is safe—until it isn’t. Before you dive in, run through this checklist:

• Turn off the water supply for the sink you’re working on.
• Unplug any electrical appliances nearby (especially in kitchens).
• Use a flashlight to check for mold or signs of old water damage.
• Wear gloves if you’ll be reaching into pipes or drains.
• Know your limits—if you smell gas, see sparks, or find standing water near outlets, step back and call for emergency plumbing.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

There’s pride in fixing things yourself. Sometimes, a little elbow grease is all it takes. But other times, a DIY fix is like taping over a warning light on your car dashboard.

When DIY Works

• Clearing minor clogs with a plunger or snake
• Tightening slip nuts under the sink
• Replacing a faucet aerator

When to Call Monty’s Plumbing

• Leaks that won’t stop, or keep coming back
• Water pooling under the floor or walls
• Sudden loss of pressure in multiple fixtures
• Rust-colored water or strange noises in your pipes
• Gas odors or anything involving gas lines

Remember, a small leak inside a wall or under a slab can quickly turn into a major repair. For both residential and commercial sinks, catching a problem early saves time, money, and hassle.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When Monty’s Plumbing arrives, here’s what you can expect—no guesswork, no surprises.

1. Careful inspection: We check visible pipes, joints, and fixtures for damage or corrosion.
2. Leak detection: Using moisture meters and sometimes thermal cameras, we find hidden leaks fast.
3. Testing water pressure: We measure flow and pressure to spot underlying system issues.
4. Drain inspection: For tough clogs, we run a small camera (per local code and safety guidelines) to check for deep blockages or root intrusion.
5. Safe repairs: All work follows up-to-date plumbing codes (like the International Plumbing Code and local standards).
6. Full cleanup: We leave your space as tidy as we found it.

Prevention & Maintenance

A little care goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your sink—and sanity—intact:

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.
• Use sink strainers to catch food, hair, and debris.
• Clean aerators every few months to prevent mineral buildup.
• Check under sinks for dampness or musty smells once a month.
• Schedule annual plumbing checkups, especially in older buildings.

For commercial spaces, consider preventative maintenance plans—regular drain cleaning and inspections can prevent downtime and lost business.

Costs & Time Factors

Every sink repair is a little different, but here’s what to expect:

• DIY fixes: Simple clogs or tightening connections can take under an hour.
• Minor leak repairs: Usually wrapped up in 1–2 hours by a pro.
• Major pipe or drain work: May take half a day or longer, especially if walls or floors need opening.
• Costs: These can range widely based on the problem, parts needed, and accessibility. Hidden leaks or major repiping are more involved and take longer.

Emergency plumbing calls are prioritized, but complex jobs may require follow-ups for parts or drying time.

When It’s an Emergency

Some sink issues can wait, but some can’t. Call for emergency plumbing if you notice:

• Water flooding under your sink or spreading to other rooms
• Sewage smells or water backing up from drains
• Gas odors near any plumbing fixture
• No water at all, especially in commercial settings

Fast action can prevent structural damage and health hazards.

FAQ

How do I know if a leak is serious?

If water is soaking cabinets, pooling on floors, or you can’t pinpoint the source, call for help. Hidden leaks can cause mold and structural damage fast.

Can I use chemical drain cleaners for clogs?

It’s best to avoid them. They can damage pipes over time and don’t always clear the problem. Mechanical methods (like plungers or snakes) are safer.

Why does my faucet drip even after replacing the washer?

The seat or cartridge may be worn, or water pressure could be too high. A plumber can test and replace the right parts.

How often should sinks be professionally inspected?

At least once a year—more often in commercial kitchens or if you’ve dealt with leaks/clogs in the past.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

In colder months, pipes under sinks in exterior walls are more likely to freeze and crack. In humid climates, watch for mold and mildew inside cabinets. Older buildings may have pipes more prone to corrosion or mineral buildup—regular checks are key.

If your city has hard water, mineral deposits can clog aerators and valves faster. Consider water filtration systems to help prevent buildup.

Call Monty's Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  844-484-5484 .