Detecting Water Leaks - Kitchen Sink Edition

Imagine this scenario: you’re returning home from a relaxing vacation, and the very first thing you notice when you walk through the door is an unexpected puddle of water covering the floor. As you cautiously navigate your way through this puddle, you suddenly hear a loud sound of water gushing at full speed from the bottom of your sink cabinet. To your dismay, your entire kitchen now resembles a small pond, water spreading across the tiles. With panic racing through your body and your heart pounding, what would be the very first thing you’d do in response to this alarming situation?

Back in 2023, I was cat sitting for a family friend who was enjoying a vacation and would be arriving home after two long weeks of being away. On the last day of my cat sitting job, by sheer coincidence, I decided to stop by a second time to bring her cats inside early, since my family friend's flight was set to land past midnight. As soon as I opened the front door, the first unsettling sight I encountered was a significant amount of water on the floor, and I could immediately tell it was streaming in from the kitchen area. Not only was there a long, deep stream of water spreading across the floor, but there was also a constant gushing sound emanating from the kitchen. The only thought racing through my mind in that moment was, “oh no, oh no.” When I rushed over to the kitchen, all I could see was an alarming flow of water bursting forth at full speed, which I surmised must have come from a ruptured pipe. I felt a wave of panic wash over me, and I didn’t know what steps to take. I quickly called my friend, but of course, there was no answer, so I dashed over to the neighbor's house for help. They could see that I was visibly worried, and after I explained the situation to them, they quickly came to my aid. Having only ever rented in apartments before, that day marked the very first time I had ever heard of an Emergency Shut Off Valve, which proved to be an invaluable lesson for me.

Now these things don’t always happen, but if they do its nice to be prepared. Every situation is different but lets start from the most basic kind of leaks in your kitchen.

Have a leaky faucet? While the leak may be slow and you might think that a little drip isn’t wasting much water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet that drips just once per second can waste an astonishing approximately 3,000 gallons of water annually. This significant waste not only impacts the environment but could also lead to an increase in your water bill by $30-$60, depending on local water rates. If you discover this issue, the very first thing you should do is to shut off the hot and cold water supply valves, which can be done by turning them to the right. These valves are typically located under the tailpiece, as you can see in the diagram above.

Another common problem that might be causing a persistent leaky faucet could indeed be attributed to worn-out rubber washers, gaskets, or seals that are located inside the valve assembly. Additionally, the faucet aerator is another crucial component of the nozzle that could potentially contribute to leaks as well. To check for this specific issue, carefully unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet. It is important to thoroughly clean it of any particles or debris that may be attached, as well as clearing the filter screen. After reassembling, turning the water back on may help clear any remaining debris from the spout. If the leak continues to persist, then it might be time for a complete replacement or you may want to give us a call so that we can assess the situation for you in a professional manner.

Detecting leaks in your kitchen can be sometimes inevitable, but here are some practical steps you can follow to help prevent them. Regular visual inspections should be made at least once a month, whether it's checking the base of appliances such as the dishwasher or refrigerator. You can also check for any signs of water on walls, floors, or cabinets that are situated near appliances or the sink, as these could indicate a potential leak. Another important indicator can be the smell of mustiness or mold near appliances, as well as peeling or bubbling on walls or ceilings. Additionally, be aware of any unusual dripping or hissing sounds coming from your appliances and monitor for low water pressure, as these may also signal a leak that needs to be addressed. Call us today if you suspect a leak, we’d be happy to help.