Bathroom and kitchen sinks get used heavily every day. Over time, you can expect problems to occur ranging from clogs to leaks. These may start small, but eventually turn into major frustrations if ignored (a slow drain may eventually clog up completely, while a dripping tap may turn into a constantly running tap). Fortunately, many sink problems can be easily fixed – sometimes without the need of a plumber. Below are 6 of the most common sink problems and how to solve them.

Clogged drain

Sink drains often develop blockages over time causing them to drain slowly or eventually not drain at all. In the kitchen, clogs are usually caused by food scraps, grease, coffee grounds or soap scum. In the bathroom, hair and toothpaste can create hard plugs over time. 

It’s often possible to unclog a blocked sink yourself. Start by pouring some very hot (but not boiling) water down the drain to break up any debris. If this doesn’t work, try a solution of vinegar and baking soda (about half a cup of each) and then try flushing out with hot water again.

For more stubborn clogs, try instead using a plunger (make sure you have a flat cup plunger – flange plungers can only be used on toilets). Deeper blockages may be possible to dislodge by using a specialist tool called a drain snake, which you can buy online. With kitchen sinks, it’s also possible to remove the u-bend and clean it out. There are many DIY video tutorials you can watch that show you how to do this, but some people may prefer to simply hire a plumber. 

Try to avoid pouring harsh chemicals down your sink – even those advertised as ‘drain unblockers’ – because they’re not good for the environment and can often corrode older pipes. To prevent future blockages, use sink strainers and avoid rinsing fats and oils down the sink. 

Dripping tap

A constant drip can not only be irritating to listen to, but it can also lead to an expensive water bill. Causes of a dripping tap typically include worn-out washers or cartridges inside the valve.

To fix a dripping tap, you’ll need to dismantle it and inspect the individual parts for wear. Turn off the water supply before doing this and make sure you have the right tools (you’ll usually need a screwdriver or Allen key depending on the tap). Look out for cracks in rubber washers or O-rings. If you have a mixer tap, replacing the cartridge will often solve the issue.

Don’t feel confident taking your tap apart? Call out a plumber to do it for you. This is particularly worthwhile if you have old taps or a more complex tap (such as a boiling water tap or a wall tap).

Leak under the sink

If you’ve discovered damp patches or a puddle under your sink, it’s likely that there’s a leak. Left unchecked, such a leak could eventually lead to costly water damage or mould issues. 

To tackle this leak, you’ll need to first empty the undersink cupboard so that you can see exactly where the water is coming from. Run the tap and check all visible connections to see where dripping occurs. Loose nuts, corroded metal and cracked plastic are common culprits.

Sometimes a gentle tightening of a compression nut is enough to stop the leak. If the P-trap or water supply line is cracked or corroded however, you’ll need to replace the pipe. Don’t just patch it up with duct tape and ignore it – eventually the damage will get worse and the tape will no longer hold the leak. For hard-to-locate leaks or leaks behind walls, call out a professional.

Low water pressure

Noticed that the water flow coming out of your sink’s tap has gotten weaker? This issue can have many potential causes including a scaled-up aerator, a partially-closed shut-off valve, limescale build-up in the pipe, a leak or a failing PRV.

A scaled-up aerator is the main cause. Mineral deposits can build up in the spout, causing restricted water flow. Removing the aerator and soaking it in vinegar is a great DIY fix for this.

It’s worth also checking that the shut-off valve under the sink is fully open. Make sure it is turned counterclockwise as far as it can go – it’s possible that you had a repair recently, it wasn’t fully turned left. 

Most other causes of low water pressure will require hiring a plumber to solve and fix. There are plumbing companies that provide home and commercial services – make sure to choose a company that is suitable for your needs. 

Discoloured water

The water coming out of your sink tap should be clear. If it’s reddish, brown or even green tinted, then you’ve got a problem!

Corrosion of pipes is the most likely culprit. Old galvanised pipes are prone to rust, while copper pipes develop a patina which can also contaminate water. You may also notice that water tastes metallic or you may encounter leaks. To fix this problem, the corroded pipes will need to be replaced. 

A ruptured mains pipe could also lead to discoloured water, but this will usually affect the entire home, and you may also notice pressure problems. 

Smelly drain

Noticed a bad smell from your sink drain? This could be due to a build-up of gunk inside that has become a breeding ground for bacteria. Pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain may be enough to neutralise the smell. However, ideally you want to get rid of any debris stuck in the pipe (look at the solutions for a clogged drain above).

Unused sinks can also develop a smell caused by water in the P-trap drying out. The P-trap is designed to have water in it, which blocks sewer gases from travelling up the pipe and into your home. Running the tap for 1 to 2 minutes should help to fill the P–trap and get rid of this odor. Call out a plumber if the smell persists.