How do I fix this leak? This part of the sink's plumbing is leaking (see photo). Water drips out the bottom of it.
by
2ms2
+9
Water is dripping from the small hollow pipe that you see in the middle of the photo.
12 answers
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Here is another photo of my sink. I can't figure out what the function of that small, hollow open-bottom pipe is.
2ms2
on May 04, 2011
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Chaya, I see the hot, cold and drain stop. I am stumped too. The water or drain is not connected to it. It may be possible that the water line is leaking and following the threads. Try to tighten everything up. You could also disconnect and use some Teflon tape. Be sure that you turn the water off before you investigate. I'm sure a plumber can answer this one. look under the "find" button on Hometalks homepage.
John H
on May 04, 2011
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Can't really tell, but I'm wondering if that pipe is the partvof the popup drain stop assembly. If so, then your drain ring in your sink may have a leak and coming out on that pipe. Remove, clean the area and reapply plumber's putty.
James A
on May 04, 2011
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Yes, I am pretty sure it is part of the pop up drain stop. I think it is related to the drain because it only leaks when the sink is draining.
2ms2
on May 04, 2011
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Chaya, I awoke from my nap thinking about your sink. It looks like a really deep sink, which means the drain would be below the pipe in question, making it impossible to be the drain ring in the sink causing the problem. Maybe not, I would need to see more pics of the sink. Another thing on my mind is that the bolt that the pipe is attached to is very rusty, indicating a presence of moisture. If so, it might be that the faucet is leaking internally then onto the rusty bolt and down the attached pipe in question. Your hot/cold connections are below the pipe so it would have to be a leak from above. Once again, I really can't tell. It's hard to take pictures I know. But there could be a leak in the brass lines within the faucet assembly. There are always good deals at home stores. Look for the surplus or discount area. Might be worth the price to get new faucets if problem persists. Good luck, I'm going to finish my nap.
James A
on May 04, 2011
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Thanks again, James. I might replace the faucets.
2ms2
on May 04, 2011
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This is an easy fix. Go down to the hardware and get a new pop up drain assembly and replace the old one. Sometimes the old ball valve can be matched up and just the ball value changed but you have to buy the complete kit.
Hudson Designs
on May 04, 2011
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Hudson Designs, you can verify that the little pipe is connected to the pop up drain?
2ms2
on May 04, 2011
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Chaya. The small pipe is indeed the pull rod for the drain plug, This drip would then be coming from some where else as that piece does not have water plumbed to it...This looks like a pretty old pedestal sink. The simple and easy fix would be the replace the faucet assembly...the leak may be a nick in an old valve seat, crappy threaded connection, or a corrosion hole...You can pick up a basic faucet assembly for about 30-40 bucks...which will include the tail piece that James mentioned. While you are getting the faucet, pick up a pair of flexible Stainless hoses for the supply connections and a small tub of plumbers putty. Measure the existing hard line so you get the right length of flex. Turn off the supply valves then remove the hard supply lines. Remove the tail piece and "p-trap" drain assembly Then remove the faucet. Clean up the top surface where the old faucet was and then install the new faucet. The tricky part will be reaching the "nuts" that mount the faucet to the sink. Apply a "doughnut" of new putty around the drain tailpiece and install that. Attach the supply flex lines...first to the faucet then the supply valves. finish up by reconnecting the "p -trap" Viola...you should be leak free.
KMS Woodworks
on May 05, 2011
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Yes I agree the small pipe is used as a rod to connect the plunger and knob assembly. I do think its coming from the ball valve in the drain pipe.
Hudson Designs
on May 05, 2011
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You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for the advice!!!
2ms2
on May 06, 2011
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Let us know what happens.
James A
on May 06, 2011
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