A Leaking Kitchen Sink in Singapore is one of those problems that seem minor at first—until water starts pooling under the cabinet or the smell of damp wood hits you. I remember my first encounter with a kitchen sink leak. It started as a few drops on the cabinet floor, which I dismissed as splashes. But a week later, the wood was swollen, and a lingering musty smell told me the problem had been festering much longer than I thought.
Whether you’re staying in a BTO flat, a resale HDB, or a condominium, knowing how to fix a leaking kitchen sink can save you from unnecessary stress, mold growth, or even complaints from the unit below. You can handle most kitchen sink leaks with basic tools and time instead of reaching out to a plumber right away. Therefore, PS Home Maintenance Singapore brings some practical tips for you to fix a leaking kitchen sink in Singapore in addition to their professional toilet plumbing, toilet bowl replacement, and kitchen sink replacement and floor repair services.
Signs You Might Have a Leaking Kitchen Sink
You need to verify and locate the leak before beginning your repairs. The following warning signs indicate a kitchen sink leak:
- A persistent damp smell under the kitchen sink
- You see water marks or cabinet floor warping near the sink
- Visible drips or moisture around the pipes
- Mold or mildew forming inside the cabinet
- Higher-than-usual water bills with no other explanation
If you notice any of these, it’s time to investigate further and begin leak detection.
Step 1: Find Where the Leak Occurs
Most kitchen sink leaks in Singapore come from one of four places: the drainpipe, the sink strainer basket, the faucet base, or the perimeter seal between the sink and countertop. Here’s how I usually check:
- Empty the cabinet below the sink completely.
- Dry all visible plumbing and surfaces using an old towel.
- Turn on the tap and observe where the water starts collecting.
- Use a flashlight to check hard-to-see areas.
- Test your sink for water leaks by filling it halfway and letting it drain through while monitoring for leaks.
A common problem in local homes is a worn-out rubber washer in the U-bend (also known as the P-trap). In my own experience, I’ve had this part cause slow leaks more than once.
Step 2: Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Begin your repair processes only after having these necessary tools. These items are available to buy at Selffix and Horme stores as well as at online platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench (for older or tight fittings)
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Silicone sealant (mold-resistant)
- Plumber’s putty
- Replacement washers and O-rings
- Bucket or basin
- Cleaning cloths
- Rubbing alcohol
Having essential tools on hand makes it simpler to handle repairs at home instead of traveling back to the store for replacement parts.
Step 3: Fixing the Leak
Once you know where the leak occurs, you can follow these steps to fix common problems.
Leaky Drain Pipe or P-Trap
This is the most common type of kitchen sink leak.
- Shut off valves for the water supply under the sink.
- Place a bucket beneath the P-trap.
- Loosen the slip nuts using your wrench.
- Inspect the washers or gaskets for wear or cracks.
- Replace them if necessary and wrap Teflon tape on threaded areas.
- Reattach and hand-tighten, followed by a small turn with the wrench.
Tip: Avoid over-tightening. It can cause plastic threads to crack.
Leaky Sink Strainer Basket
This part connects your sink bowl to the drainage pipe below and is sealed with either the plumber’s putty or rubber gaskets.
- Unscrew the large nut holding the strainer basket from beneath.
- Remove the old putty or gasket and clean both surfaces.
- Apply fresh plumber’s putty around the underside of the strainer.
- Reinsert it into the sinkhole and tighten the nut below.
- Use a clean cloth to remove leftover putty from the sink area.
Tip: Plumber’s putty proves easier to replace than silicone when you need sink repairs later.
Faucet Base Leak
If water is leaking from where the faucet meets the sink or countertop:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Use your wrench to undo the set screw and lift off the faucet handle.
- Check the O-rings or cartridge for signs of wear or cracking.
- Replace the worn components.
- Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to test.
Tip: Faucet cartridges differ by brand. Take the old one with you to the hardware store for an exact match.
Worn Sealant Around Sink Rim
This leak often shows up as water seeping into the cabinet when cleaning the sink or countertop.
- Remove the old silicone using a scraper or utility knife.
- Clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
- Apply a continuous bead of waterproof silicone sealant around the sink rim.
- Smooth the sealant with a tool or wet finger and let it cure for 12 hours.
This small repair can prevent long-term cabinet damage, especially in humid conditions like ours.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While many minor leaks are fixable with DIY tools and basic knowledge, there are situations where it’s best to hire a specialist in kitchen sink leak repair:
- The leak is behind a wall or involves hidden plumbing
- Pipes are corroded, cracked, or rusted
- You’ve tried repairs, but the leak returns repeatedly
- Professional services are required when mold growth or serious wooden damage appears inside your cabinet.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Leaks
- Inspect plumbing connections every few months.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage seals.
- Replace old washers or O-rings during annual checks.
- Don’t over-tighten fittings—this wears out gaskets prematurely.
- Use silicone sealant rated for kitchens to prevent mold growth.
Conclusion
People in Singapore frequently encounter a leaking kitchen sink at home. You can repair a leaking kitchen sink when you have the proper tools and know what to do. Finding and fixing early signs of a faulty gasket, worn-out putty, or cracked sealant saves money and eases your plumbing concerns.
In cases of recurring leaks that are challenging to access, you need professional help fixing a leaky kitchen sink. By sharing my experience with multiple sink repairs, I want to tell you that taking prompt action really changes everything.