How to Fix Bathroom Sink Drain Leaking Around Threads

Bathroom sink drain leaking around threads is caused by different reasons, including loose sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage. Leaks in the bathroom sink drain are an unpleasant issue, and they may cause greater damage if you don’t notice them on time.

It may happen in a moment that you don’t expect, but it is better to fix the problem immediately after you notice it. Fixing this issue may require re-tightening the drain bolt, replacing damaged components, and more. With the help of a step-by-step guide, you should fix the issue by yourself.

Continue reading this article to learn how to identify the causes of bathroom sink drain leaking around threads and fix them.

Causes of Bathroom Sink Drain Leaking Around Threads

It is essential to identify what causes the bathroom sink drain leaking around threads before looking for ways to fix it. Knowing what causes the problem would be very easy to find a lasting solution to the problem. There are three major reasons why your bathroom sink drain may be leaking, and they include loose sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage.

To permanently fix the bathroom sink drain leaking around threads issue, you need to identify the cause of the leak. The following steps below will help you to identify the main reason why your bathroom sink drain is leaking:

Inspect the Nut

The first thing you need to do to identify bathroom sink drain leaking is to check the nut carefully. You can use an adjustable wrench to know if the nut is tight or not. You must also check if the nut is spinning around the gasket or not.

Examine the Thread

If you have checked the nut and it is still intact, the thread is the next thing you will check. The drain is usually secured with Teflon tape, but it can become damaged over time. To stop the leaks around the thread, you will have to remove the old Teflon tape and replace it with a new one.

Check the Drain

If you have checked the nut and the thread, they are still in good condition. The next thing you will have to cheap is the drain. You need to carefully examine two important things are the drain seal and the rubber gasket. Your bathroom sink drain might be leaking if the drain seal or the rubber gasket is damaged. A crack around the drain might also cause leaks.

Fixing Bathroom Sink Drain Leaking Around Threads

Once you have identified the main reason why your bathroom sink is leaking around the thread, the next thing that you will need to do is to fix the issue. You can hire a professional plumber to fix the issue for you or fix it by yourself. If you want to fix it by yourself, the step-by-step guide below will be very helpful:

Check and Tighten the Nut

The main function of the nut is to hold the sink firmly to the drain. Your bathroom sink may begin to leak if the nut becomes loose; you can use an adjustable wrench for tightening the loose nut.

If this fix does not solve your issue, you need to move to the next step.

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Inspect Drain Components for Damage

To carefully check the drain components, you will have to disassemble the drain. You can disassemble the drain by loosening the drain nut with an adjustable wrench. Check the components carefully for twists and cracks. Replace the damaged component(s) with a new one.

One major component that often gets damaged is the rubber gasket. It is one of the easiest and least expensive components to replace. Once you replace the damaged one with a new one, your bathroom sink will stop leaking.

Reassemble the Components & Replace Seals

After fixing the issue, the next thing you need to do is reassemble the components. Make sure you replace seals before tightening the drain nut. The seals also help to prevent leaks.

Apply Plumber’s Putty and Silicone Caulk

You may also apply the plumber’s putty and silicone caulk around the drain hole when assembling the drain components. They help to secure and prevent leaks effectively. For a perfect result, make sure you apply the plumber’s putty and silicone caulk when the surfaces are completely clean and dry.

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NOTE:

• Before you start fixing the bathroom sink drain leaking around threads, make sure you turn off your water supply.
• It would help if you were careful when tightening the nut. Do not overtighten the drain nut because overtightening may damage the nut and the sink.
• Apply the Teflon seal tape in a clockwise direction for a better result. If you apply it in an anticlockwise direction, it will unwind when you tighten the fitting.
• Finally, wait for the silicone caulk to dry before turning on the water supply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are the possible causes of bathroom sink drain leaking around threads?

The possible causes of leaks in bathroom sink drain are loose sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage.

• Why do I need to apply the plumber’s putty and silicone caulk to the drain hole?

You need to apply the plumber’s putty and silicone caulk because they help to prevent leaks effectively.

• What can I use to loosen and tighten the drain nut?

An adjustable wrench is used for loosening/tightening the drain nut.

• How do I apply Teflon tape to the threads?

For the best result, Teflon tape is applied in a clockwise direction.

Conclusion

There are three major causes of bathroom sink drain leaking around threads: loss sealing between thread and pipe, open drain, or drain damage. To prevent greater damage, you need to fix this problem immediately after you notice it.

You can either fix the problem yourself or hire a plumber to fix it for you. You should fix the issue by yourself because it cost less.

The step-by-step guide we have provided in this article will guide you in identifying the cause of the leak and how to repair it.