Why Is There Water Under My Sink?

Water under a sink can travel along pipes and cabinet surfaces before it drips, so the wettest spot isn't always where the leak started. The easiest way to narrow it down is to dry everything and watch when the water returns.

Does it leak when the faucet is running?

Check the accessible supply connections and the underside of the faucet. Don't blindly tighten every fitting you see; overtightening can damage some connections.

Does it leak while the sink drains?

The drain assembly, trap, disposal, or connected piping may be involved. Watch the accessible connections while water drains through.

Is it wet even when nobody uses the sink?

A pressurized supply connection or another nearby source becomes more likely. If water is actively escaping and you can safely operate the fixture's shutoff valves, close them.

Dry the cabinet

Remove wet items and dry the area thoroughly. Particleboard and similar cabinet materials swell and deteriorate if they stay wet.

When should I get help?

Call for plumbing help if:

• You can't identify the source.
• A shutoff valve doesn't work.
• Water seems to come from inside the wall.
• The leak keeps returning.
• The cabinet or wall is becoming saturated.
• A disposal or electrical connection is getting wet.

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