How to Fix a Leak Under the Bathroom Sink Coming From the Hot Water Faucet
A leak coming from underneath your hot water faucet doesn't have to be the disaster it sounds like, as long as you catch it in time. The good news is that a leak under the bathroom sink means that the faucet itself is fine - you're probably looking at a damaged water supply hose or a leaking coupling. Either of which can be remedied easily, even by the average DIYer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Plumber's tape
- Steel wool
- Water supply hose (if needed)
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Instructions
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Turn off the hot water supply at the valve located underneath the sink. You can identify the hot water hose by feeling it with your hand. It will feel warm to the touch. Rotate the knob clockwise to shut off the water.
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Open the hot water faucet and allow the water inside to run out.
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Position yourself underneath the sink. Use the pliers to unscrew the plastic coupling on the underside of the faucet.
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Examine the plastic coupling. If it is cracked, you will have to replace the entire water supply hose. Unscrew the other metal end attached to the water supply valve and remove the hose. Wrap the outlet on the water supply valve with plumber's tape. Thread the metal coupling back on the supply valve and tighten with the wrench.
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Clean off the inlet on the underside of the faucet. Use a piece of steel wool to remove all traces of pipe compound or old plumber's tape. Dry the threads and wrap with a new piece of plumber's tape, making at least two turns around the threads. Trim off any excess.
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Tighten the plastic coupling to the underside of the hot water faucet.
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Restore the water supply by turning the knob counterclockwise.
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Run the hot water faucet. Check for leaks. Tighten any couplings if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
If the coupling underneath the faucet is hard to reach, go to your nearest hardware or plumbing store and purchase or rent a tool called a basin wrench to help you unscrew the coupling.
Do not over tighten any of the couplings, as you could strip the threads.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit faucet image by Lynne Davis from Fotolia.com
