A leaking pipe under your bathroom sink is a common plumbing issue that can quickly lead to bigger problems if left untreated. From water damage and mold growth to increased water bills, even a small drip shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’ve just noticed moisture pooling beneath your sink or heard the constant sound of dripping water, understanding what to do next is essential.

At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we bring over 30 years of experience serving the Bay Area with expert plumbing repairs and leak detection services. Our skilled team handles everything from minor leaks to complex plumbing projects, including work on sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and more.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to identify, stop, and fix leaking pipes under your bathroom sink, answer common questions about repairs and costs, and explain when it’s time to call a professional.

What to Do If the Pipe Under the Sink Is Leaking

Discovering a leaking pipe under your bathroom sink can be stressful, but acting quickly can prevent further damage. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them off to stop the flow of water. If there are no local shut-offs or they’re not working, turn off the main water supply to your home.

2. Assess the Leak

Try to identify where the leak is coming from — it could be a loose joint, a cracked pipe, or a faulty valve. Look for visible drips, wet spots, or puddles.

3. Use a Bucket or Towels

Place a bucket under the leak and use towels to soak up excess water. This helps minimize water damage to your cabinet or flooring.

4. Avoid DIY Repairs If You’re Unsure

While minor leaks can sometimes be temporarily fixed with plumber’s tape or tightening connections, improper repairs may worsen the problem. Professional plumbing repairs and leak detection services from experts like Larratt Bros Plumbing ensure the issue is properly diagnosed and resolved.

5. Schedule Professional Help

Once you’ve controlled the immediate leak, contact a licensed plumber to assess and fix the problem permanently. Early intervention can save you money and avoid damage to your drains, sewers, or surrounding fixtures like toilets, bathtubs, and faucets.

Is a Leaking Sink Pipe an Emergency?

Not every leak under your bathroom sink requires a 911 call, but some situations do qualify as plumbing emergencies. Here’s how to determine if your leaking sink pipe needs immediate attention:

When It’s an Emergency

• Significant Water Flow: If the leak is more than a slow drip and is causing water to pool rapidly under the sink, it’s an emergency that requires immediate action.
  
• Damage to Cabinets or Flooring: When water starts damaging cabinetry, flooring, or walls, the risk of mold and structural damage increases, making prompt repair crucial.
  
• No Shut-Off Valve or Failed Valve: If you cannot stop the water flow by turning off the valve under the sink or at the main water supply, call a plumber right away.
  
• Foul Odors or Sewage Backflow: If the leak is related to sewers or drains and produces unpleasant odors or waste backup, it’s a serious health hazard.
  

When It’s Not an Emergency

• Slow Drips or Minor Leaks: Small leaks that are slow and manageable can usually wait a day or two for professional repair. However, don’t ignore them—they will likely worsen over time.
  
• No Immediate Damage: If the leak hasn’t caused water damage or mold growth, it’s less urgent but still important to fix promptly.
  

Why Quick Repairs Matter

Ignoring a leaking pipe under your bathroom sink can lead to costly damage, including ruined cabinetry, warped flooring, and potential contamination from water treatment & purification issues. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we prioritize rapid response and expert repairs to protect your home

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Pipe Under a Sink?

The cost to repair a leaking pipe under your bathroom sink can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these can help you budget appropriately and avoid surprises.

Factors Influencing Repair Costs

• Severity of the Leak: Minor leaks from loose fittings or worn washers are generally inexpensive to fix. Larger leaks from cracked pipes or corroded sections may require pipe replacement, which is costlier.
  
• Type of Materials: Pipes made from copper, PVC, or galvanized steel have different repair costs due to material and labor requirements.
  
• Accessibility: Pipes located in hard-to-reach areas or behind cabinetry may increase labor time and expense.
  
• Additional Repairs: If the leak has caused water damage to surrounding cabinets, floors, or has affected nearby drains, sewers, or fixtures like sinks, toilets, or faucets, repairs will be more extensive.
  

Typical Cost Range

• Basic Leak Repairs: Tightening fittings or replacing washers usually costs between $100 and $250.
  
• Pipe Replacement: If sections of the pipe must be replaced, expect costs between $250 and $600 or more, depending on complexity.
  
• Water Damage Repair: Additional restoration costs will vary based on the extent of damage.
  

Why Professional Repairs Are Worth It

Attempting to fix leaks without proper tools or experience can lead to recurring problems or further damage. Professional plumbers provide reliable plumbing repairs, thorough leak detection, and ensure your water heater repair & installation, garbage disposal installation, and other plumbing systems remain intact.

At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we offer transparent pricing and high-quality repairs to save you time and money in the long run.

How to Stop a Drip Under the Bathroom Sink

A dripping pipe under your bathroom sink can be annoying and wasteful. While some fixes require professional attention, there are a few steps you can take to temporarily stop or reduce the drip until a plumber arrives.

Temporary DIY Fixes to Stop the Drip

• Tighten Loose Connections:
  Use a wrench or pliers to gently tighten any loose nuts or fittings under the sink. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause further damage.
  
• Use Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape):
  Wrap plumber’s tape around threaded joints to help seal minor leaks. This tape is inexpensive and easy to apply.
  
• Apply Epoxy Putty:
  For small cracks or holes in pipes, epoxy putty can provide a temporary seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  
• Clamp the Leak:
  Use a pipe repair clamp to temporarily seal leaks. This is especially useful for leaks on metal pipes.
  
• Turn Off the Water Supply:
  If the drip is persistent and you can’t stop it, shut off the water supply to the sink to prevent water waste and damage.
  

Limitations of DIY Fixes

While these solutions can buy you some time, they are often only temporary. DIY repairs may not fully resolve the underlying problem and can sometimes worsen the issue if not done properly.

When to Call a Professional

For reliable, lasting results, it’s best to call a professional plumber. The expert team at Larratt Bros Plumbing specializes in plumbing repairs, leak detection, and comprehensive services for sinks, drains, toilets, and more to ensure your plumbing system works flawlessly.

How to Figure Out Where a Leak Is Coming From Under the Sink

Locating the exact source of a leak under your bathroom sink can sometimes be tricky, but identifying the problem area is the first step toward effective repair. Here’s how you can pinpoint where the leak is coming from:

Step-by-Step Guide to Locate the Leak

1. Clear Out the Area
   Remove any items stored under the sink so you have full access and can see clearly.
   
2. Dry the Area
   Use a towel to dry all pipes, fittings, and the cabinet floor beneath the sink. This helps you observe fresh water spots as they appear.
   
3. Inspect Common Leak Points
   Check these areas carefully:
   

• Supply Lines: Look for drips or wetness around the flexible hoses or copper pipes that supply water to the faucet.
  
• P-Trap and Drain Pipes: The curved pipe beneath the sink often collects debris and can develop cracks or loose connections.
  
• Pipe Joints and Fittings: Tighten any loose joints and look for corrosion or cracks.
  
• Shut-off Valves: These valves can leak if they’re worn or damaged.
  

4. Use a Dry Paper Towel or Tissue
   Wipe suspected areas and watch for moisture or dripping to confirm the leak location.
   
5. Run Water and Observe
   Turn on the faucet and watch carefully while water flows through the pipes. Leaks often become more visible when water is running.
   

Importance of Professional Leak Detection

If you’re unable to locate the leak or if the leak is coming from hidden pipes, damaged drains, or sewers, professional leak detection services are invaluable. At Larratt Bros Plumbing, we use advanced tools to find leaks quickly and accurately, minimizing disruption and preventing costly damage.

What Can I Use to Seal a Leak Under the Sink?

When dealing with a leaking pipe under your bathroom sink, there are several sealing options you can consider. However, it’s important to remember that some methods are only temporary fixes, and professional repair is often the best solution.

Common Materials to Seal a Leak

• Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape):
  Ideal for sealing threaded pipe joints, plumber’s tape helps prevent leaks by creating a tight seal. It’s easy to apply and works well for minor leaks at connection points.
  
• Epoxy Putty:
  Epoxy putty can be molded and applied to small cracks or holes in pipes. It hardens to form a durable, waterproof seal and is often used as a temporary fix until professional repairs can be made.
  
• Pipe Repair Clamp:
  This metal clamp wraps around the leaking section of a pipe and tightens to stop leaks. It’s a useful temporary solution for small cracks or holes.
  
• Rubber Patch and Hose Clamp:
  For quick DIY fixes, a piece of rubber (such as from an old inner tube) can be placed over the leak and secured tightly with a hose clamp.
  

When to Replace Instead of Seal

While these sealing methods can stop minor leaks temporarily, significant damage like cracked pipes or corroded sections usually require pipe replacement. Continuing to seal a heavily damaged pipe may cause further leaks or water damage.

Professional Plumbing Repairs for Lasting Solutions

At Larratt Bros Plumbing, our expert technicians provide thorough plumbing repairs and ensure lasting fixes. We also handle a wide range of services related to sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, faucets, garbage disposal installation, water heater repair & installation, and more to keep your entire plumbing system running smoothly.

Additional Plumbing Services by Larratt Bros Plumbing

At Larratt Bros Plumbing, our expertise extends far beyond fixing leaking pipes under your bathroom sink. With over 30 years of experience, we provide comprehensive plumbing services tailored to meet the needs of Bay Area residents and businesses alike.

Our Range of Services Includes:

• Plumbing Repairs: From minor leaks to major pipe replacements, we handle all kinds of plumbing repairs with precision and care.
  
• Leak Detection: Using advanced tools, we quickly locate hidden leaks to prevent costly water damage.
  
• Sewers and Drains: We offer cleaning, maintenance, and repairs to keep your sewer lines and drains flowing smoothly.
  
• Water Heater Repair & Installation: Whether you need repairs or a new installation, we ensure your water heater operates efficiently.
  
• Sinks, Faucets, Bathtubs, and Showers: Installation, repair, and maintenance services for all your bathroom fixtures.
  
• Toilet Repair & Installation: Reliable repairs and new installations to keep your toilets functioning perfectly.
  
• Garbage Disposal Installation: Professional installation and maintenance of garbage disposal units to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
  
• Water Treatment & Purification: Solutions to improve your water quality, ensuring it’s safe and clean for your family.
  

Why Choose Larratt Bros Plumbing?

Our highly skilled in-house team provides personalized service from start to finish, ensuring your plumbing issues are resolved efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s a routine repair or a complex installation, you can trust us to get the job done right.

Trust Larratt Bros Plumbing for Your Leaking Pipe Repairs

A leaking pipe under your bathroom sink can cause significant inconvenience and damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding what to do, when to call a professional, and how repairs are handled can save you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s a minor drip or a more serious leak, Larratt Bros Plumbing is here to provide expert plumbing repairs, leak detection, and a full range of services including work on sinks, toilets, drains, and more.

Don’t let a small leak turn into a major problem. Contact Larratt Bros Plumbing today to schedule a professional inspection and repair. With over 30 years of experience serving the Bay Area, our trusted team will ensure your plumbing is in top condition.

Call us now at __ or visit our website to book your appointment. Let Larratt Bros Plumbing keep your home dry and worry-free!