Kitchen sink leaking underneath: what to tell your plumber

Water in a kitchen cupboard does not always come from the tap. The waste trap, supply connections, sink seal and an appliance connection can all need different repairs. A useful first report describes where water appears and what was happening at the time.

Start with the pattern

If water appears after draining the sink, mention that. If it appears while the sink is unused, tell the plumber that too. These observations narrow the investigation, but they do not prove which part has failed: water can travel along a pipe before dripping elsewhere.

Avoid repeatedly running water to recreate an active leak. Stop using the affected fitting and arrange help if water is spreading. WaterSafe explains how an internal stop tap can stop the supply in an emergency in its plumbing advice.

Photographs that help

Take a wide photograph showing the cupboard and pipe arrangement, followed by a close view of the visible wet area if safely accessible. Include any washing machine or dishwasher connection. Move stored items away from the leak where safe, but leave fittings assembled for the assessment.

Tell the team whether the cupboard has a removable back, whether the sink was recently fitted and whether previous repairs have been attempted. Do not send account documents or other personal information visible around the cupboard.

Ask what the quotation includes

A replacement waste fitting is a different job from repairing concealed supply pipework or replacing damaged cabinetry. Ask whether the initial visit covers diagnosis, what access work may be needed and whether follow-on repairs require a separate quotation.

After a repair, ask how the connection was checked and whether surrounding materials need further attention. A dry pipe does not establish that every affected surface is ready for decoration.

For help, see kitchen sink leak repairs, tap and sink repairs, or plumbing services in Loughton.