Home Repair – How to Fix a Broken Sink

Sink repair can be a quick fix or an all day project, depending on the condition of the plumbing and components that it's hooked to.

If things go well, you will be able to shut off the water supply by twisting the valves under the sink. If things don't go so well, the old valves will break when you try to turn them, possibly causing a leak and a lot more work than you started with.

Before attempting this, have a helper ready to shut off the main water valve to the house if there is a problem.

Usually you can find the main shut off valve under a cement lid, near the curb. This lid will have a small rectangular hole in it. A hook or some other tool can be placed in this hole to lift it, but it can also sometimes be lifted with a finger.

Homes in other areas will have a shed or some type of well house where the valve is located. Be sure you know where it is.

Even after it's shut off, there will still be a small amount of water in the hoses and pipes. Have a pan or a bowl and some towels ready to catch it when you begin disassembling the sink components.

There will be any of a number of different types of connectors under the sink. Some examples are brass nuts, tin clamps, or screw clamps similar to those used used on car radiator hoses. Figure out which type you are dealing with and remove them.

Check the hoses and valves for damage and corrosion and replace if need be. When replacing these parts, have plenty of Teflon plumbers tape handy. This part of the job can be a little tricky.

In some older style installations, the valves were welded on, requiring you to cut them off with a saw or torch when replacing. When reinstalling, use the threaded style. When it comes to cutting and rethreading pipes, you may want to contact a professional if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

The white chalky substance found on your existing pipes and valves is calcium. This is fairly common if the components have been in place for a while.

Calcium buildup is usually the cause of valves sticking. Usually, hard twisting will free it. Don't over do it though, or you'll risk breaking or loosening the pipes and joints. When this happens, your job becomes a very difficult one. Replacing pipes can require the use of a professional, especially if the pipes are hard to access.

Clean and sand all surfaces after removing the necessary components.

Now you're ready to begin reassembling. First, wrap all areas where pipes and hoses will join with a generous amount of plumbers tape. Be sure to wrap the tape in the same direction that the components will thread on. This way, the tape will tighten when you thread the pieces on, creating a better seal.

Next, reattach any hoses, valves and clamps. Be careful not to over tighten things. Make sure they are secure and leak proof but do not tighten to the point of damaging anything.

When everything is in place, you can test your work by turning the valve on, slowly at first. At this point, inspect all of your new joints for leaks. Hopefully, you have everything fitted correctly and sealed up tightly.

If you do spot a leak, don't panic. You should easily be able to remove the the piece and redo. It may be something as simple as not enough plumber's tape. You usually have to get a few of these jobs under your belt before you can pull it off with no leaks. But you will get the hang of it.