Are you experiencing a problem with your kitchen sink leaking around the edges? A leaking sink can be caused by a variety of different issues, from broken pipes to a clogged drain. Identifying and fixing the source of any household water leakage can save you money on wasted water – not to mention spare you from potential headaches down the road if left unchecked. In this post, we’ll cover why kitchen sinks leak around their edges, how to diagnose common causes behind such leaks, and some tips for repairing them. Read on to learn more about getting rid of pesky sink edge leakage for good!
Is a Kitchen Sink Leaking Around the Edges Dangerous?
When a kitchen sink starts to leak, there is a potential for water damage to what’s underneath and around the kitchen sink area. This could lead to structural damage of the kitchen cabinet or wall, which may become softened by long-term exposure to moisture. Plus, water still needs to go somewhere, so along with damaging any furniture near or below the leak, stagnant water eventually finds its way onto the kitchen floor, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. This will only cause you a financial headache to fix. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the kitchen sink leak and address it immediately upon discovery in order to prevent further damages.
Reasons a Kitchen Sink Might Leak Around the Edges
Leaking kitchen sinks around the edges can be a source of frustration and messiness. In order to fix the problem, it is important to understand the common causes of kitchen sink leaks at the edges. Depending on the cause, a kitchen sink may leak due to faulty plumbing fixtures such as faucets, drain pipes or fittings, or water lines. If the kitchen sink is brand new and installation was recently done by a professional then it’s likely that the problem may be attributed to incorrect installation.
In some cases if the kitchen sink is very old then corrosion and age-related wear and tear may play factors in causing an edge leak. These kitchen sink leaks at the edges may occur from seals that have worn down over time, or from excess moisture in the caulking around the kitchen sink, leading to cracks and gaps that allow water to seep out. Kitchen sinks are prone to leak from the edges when 
the sealant around them begins to fail. The sealant is usually made of waterproof silicone-based materials, and it prevents water from getting through the crevices between the sink and its countertop. Over time, however, the sealant erodes due to kitchen use, or even extreme temperatures or humidity levels in certain environments.
Once the cause is correctly identified it is important to take action promptly; while these types of leaks appear harmless, they can quickly lead to serious water damage if not addressed.
How to Fix the Issue
Fixing a kitchen sink that is leaking from the edges requires a few simple steps. Before getting started, you need to make it a priority to identify the cause of the leak. If the water is coming from one of the edges, then this fix doesn’t necessarily require a professional plumber with specialized tools.
If the sealant has worn away, it is an easy fix. You simply need to buy some sealant or caulk, both of which can be found in any hardware store. Start by cleaning out all old sealant or caulk from the edges before reapplying a thin layer of the new product and using a cloth to wipe away any excess material. You can remove the old sealant by using a putty knife or shaver. After the new sealant has been installed properly along the edges, let it sit untouched for at least 24 hours before turning on the sink, so that it will adhere firmly and remain sealed for years.
If the issue has to do with an improperly installed sink or faulty materials, it is smart to contact a professional. They have the experience and expertise to get your sink properly installed, so you no longer have to deal with your sink leaking at the edges. If you are looking for a plumbing professional near the Youngsville, North Carolina area, contact us at White’s Plumbing! We will have your sink fixed in no time.
Contact White’s Plumbing Today
If your kitchen sink is leaking around the edges, it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. There are a few reasons why this might be happening, but thankfully there are also a few easy solutions. If you are not comfortable taking care of the problem yourself, or if you need help troubleshooting the issue near Youngsville, North Carolina, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at White’s Plumbing. We would be more than happy to come out and take a look.
