Sink repair

Sink repair: what to know

Common sink repairs include fixing leaky faucets, unclogging drains, replacing broken or stuck drain stoppers, addressing low water pressure, repairing leaky pipes, troubleshooting garbage disposals, clearing sink overflows, replacing faulty faucet cartridges, and securing loose sinks.

In this article, we will look at some of these repairs, explain the steps to DIY, and discuss the cost attached if you choose to hire a professional.

Cracked porcelain sink repair

Repairing a porcelain sink kit

Repairing a porcelain sink begins with cleaning the damaged area to ensure it’s free from dirt, grease, and moisture. Next, gather the necessary supplies, including your porcelain repair kit, a putty knife or spatula for application, fine sandpaper for smoothing, and optional touch-up paint for color matching. 

If you only have small chips, cracks, or minor nicks, you can simply mix the epoxy, apply it to the damage, and smooth it out before allowing it to cure. On the other hand, larger chips or deep cracks require rebuilding the surface with a repair compound or resin. Once the repair is cured and smoothed, you can apply touch-up paint to blend the repair with the rest of the sink’s surface. 

Cracked sink repair cost

The cost of repairing a cracked sink depends mostly on its material. For instance, repairing a cracked ceramic sink will cost between $50 and $150, while repairing a cracked porcelain sink will cost between $250 and $600. On the other hand, a stainless steel sink will cost between $70 and $150, while repairing a cracked fiberglass sink will cost between $100 and $250.

Sink faucet repairs

Here are some frequent faucet repairs and what’s typically involved:

Fixing a leaky or dripping faucet

Leaks are caused by worn-out washers, O-rings, or seals within the faucet. Replacing these parts stops the leak, especially in compression faucets. Cartridge faucets might require replacing the entire cartridge if it's damaged.

Dripping stems from issues with the internal components, like a faulty valve seat or washer. Depending on the type of faucet (compression, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc), this might involve replacing the washer, seals, or the cartridge itself.

Restoring water pressure

Low water pressure is caused by a clogged aerator, which can accumulate mineral deposits over time. Cleaning or replacing the aerator resolves this. However, you may need a new aerator or faucet head if the mineral buildup is severe.

Fixing loose faucet handles

Loose faucet handles happen when the screws that hold the handle become loose. Tightening these screws stabilizes the handle. Although, you may need to replace the handle if it is stripped or broken.

Noisy faucets

Noisy faucets, especially those that squeal or whine, might have an issue with water pressure or loose parts. Replacing or adjusting the washer or checking for loose parts quiets the noise.

Faucet repair cost

A faucet repair costs between $45 and $200, depending on the type of repair needed. The repair takes 30 minutes to an hour, but you will be charged the hourly rate if you hire a plumber.

Sink drain repairs

Repairing a sink drain

Repairing a sink drain involves cleaning the sink drain, fixing a leak, or replacing a damaged drain component. You will need a pipe wrench, plunger, drain snake, Teflon tape, bucket to catch water, and a replacement drain gasket (depending on the problem).

If you notice a leak around the sink drain, the first step is to turn off the water supply and identify the exact location. Leaks around the drain show that the rubber gasket or seal has worn out. To replace it, unscrew the drain assembly, remove the old gasket, and replace it with a new one. If the leak is at a pipe joint, use a wrench to tighten the loose connection. If the pipe or joint is cracked, replace the damaged pipe segment.

On the other hand, if your drain is slow or clogged, create a tight seal around the drain and plunge vigorously to dislodge the blockage. For more stubborn clogs, insert a drain snake (also called a plumber’s auger) into the drain and turn the handle to break up the clog or pull it out.

Sink drain repair cost

A sink drain typically costs between $100 and $500 to repair or replace. If the repair needed is basic, the plumber will spend less time working on it, which results in lower costs for you. Plumbers and handymen typically charge between $45 and $200 per hour to repair sink drains.

Sink stopper repairs

If the stopper to a sink drain is malfunctioning, it could be due to clogging, broken components (spring, rod, or lever), a damaged seal, misalignment of the lever, corrosion, or general wear. To fix it, clean visible debris and adjust the parts' alignment. If the problem persists, replace the entire stopper.

Clogged stopper

Over time, debris like soap scum, hair, and mineral buildup can clog the drain stopper. This causes the stopper to become stuck in either the open or closed position, making it difficult to seal the drain or release water. 

To fix it, remove any visible debris blocking the stopper’s movement. If it's a pop-up stopper, pull it out of the drain. Then, soak the parts in warm water and vinegar to dissolve any buildup.

For hair or stubborn grime, use an old toothbrush to scrub around the stopper and any connected rods or pipes. Once cleaned, pour boiling water down the drain to flush any remaining debris and mineral buildup.

Broken or misaligned components

Most sink drain stoppers are part of a larger mechanism that includes rods, springs, or chains. These components can break over time and cause the stopper to malfunction. For example, the spring might lose its tension, or the rod connecting the stopper to the lever can become corroded. Other times, the lever or plunger rod connecting to the stopper is not properly aligned.

Check the rod, lever, spring, and other parts for damage or wear. If the rod is disconnected, reattach it to the linkage. If the stopper is too high or too low to seal properly, adjust the height by repositioning the mechanism or adjusting the linkage length. If the spring is weak or the rod is corroded, replace them. 

Most hardware stores sell a stopper repair kit, which includes replacement springs, rods, and other parts. Make sure to buy the correct parts for your stopper type.

Seal damage

Many drain stoppers use a rubber gasket or seal to create a tight seal around the drain to prevent leaks. Over time, the rubber can degrade, crack, or become compressed. To resolve it, purchase a replacement seal that matches the size and shape of your current one and install it where the old one was. 

A pro tip to prevent premature wear is to apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new gasket after installation to keep it flexible and durable.

Corrosion or rust

Sink stoppers and their components are often made of metal, which can corrode or rust over time, especially in areas with hard water. To fix, apply a rust remover or vinegar to the corroded parts and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.

However, if the corrosion is too severe to clean off, you should replace the rusted parts. You can find replacement parts at most hardware stores or buy a complete drain stopper repair kit. After replacing the corroded parts, apply a protective anti-corrosion spray to the new metal parts to prevent future rust buildup.

Sink stopper parts cost

If you DIY, the cost to repair your sink stopper can be as low as $0 or a maximum of $25, depending on the supplies you have at home. However, repairing your sink stopper will cost between $100 and $35 if you prefer hiring a professional handyman or plumber.

Sink repair: Summarized

If you can use basic plumbing tools and repair kits, you can tackle minor sink repairs yourself and save significant money. However, you should hire a professional handyperson or plumber if the task feels too complex or time-consuming. Make sure any plumber you hire are licensed vetted, and insured.

We recommend checking out Angi to hire a plumber. You can expect fully equipped, background-checked professionals and say goodbye to the surprise fees and hidden costs that most platforms have.