Why your kitchen sink might be leaking from its brass tailpiece
In short: A sudden puddle under your kitchen cabinets is often the result of metal that has simply rotted out or cracked. Understanding the basic components of your drain assembly, from the basket strainer to the U-shaped trap, is the first step to managing these common household repairs.
When you open your cabinets to find water pooling, the culprit is often a component that has decayed or cracked over time. A common material found under the sink is 17-gauge brass, used to construct the tailpiece—the pipe section located directly below the basket strainer. The basket strainer itself consists of a stopper that catches food and an assembly that remains permanently affixed to the sink.
A critical component of this system is the trap, a U-shaped piece of pipe designed to hold a standing pool of water. This water acts as a barrier, keeping sewer gases, unpleasant smells, and even flies from entering your home from the street-side sewer lines. If a sink lacks this U-shaped trap, it is usually due to an installation error.
Repairing these leaks often requires specific tools to avoid injury. While some attempt to use Channellocks to loosen the brass nut on the bottom of the basket strainer, the tool can slip and cause a 'knuckle buster' injury. A specialized tool designed specifically for that brass nut is much safer. If a strainer has been seated for 15 to 20 years, the nut may have fused, potentially requiring a plumber to cut the assembly out with a saw.
For a standard repair involving a steel sink, you must first remove the old assembly. Once the hole is clear, a collar is placed into the sink with a roll of putty smushed down into it to ensure a proper seal.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Fix a Kitchen Sink Drain | Basic Plumbing
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