Match what you notice
- Water appears while the sink and appliances are off
- The supply pipes to the tap and appliances can still be under pressure. A tap connector, isolation valve or inlet hose connection may be leaking. Tell us whether the puddle keeps growing between uses.
- It only gets wet while the tap is running
- Water can run down from the tap base or a pull-out spray hose. If the tap runs straight into the drain, the waste also carries water at the same time. Tell us where you first saw water before it reached the cupboard floor.
- It leaks while the bowl is full and the plug is closed
- We dry the underside and look for the first drop. Around the basket waste we check its seal and seating. If water appears on the bowl itself, we inspect the surface for damage. If the leak starts only at overflow level, we test that fitting and its connection separately.
- It leaks when the sink empties
- We start at the joint between the basket waste and trap, then check the trap and its outlet. A damaged seal may need replacement. If a nut or thread has failed or the pipe pulls the joint sideways, we discuss replacing the fitting or realigning the pipe. We retest with a full bowl.
- It happens during a dishwasher or washing machine cycle
- If you remember when it happened, say whether the appliance was filling or pumping water out. We can check accessible supply and drain connections, including where a drain hose joins the sink waste. Water from inside the appliance may need its own repair.
If water is still escaping
Keep away from wet plugs, sockets and appliances. If you know the internal stop tap and can reach it safely, close it and tell us whether the water stopped. If a leak only happens while the sink drains or an appliance runs, leave it out of use until it has been checked.
What helps before the visit
A photo of the whole cupboard and, if safe, a closer photo of the first wet joint can help. Tell us if the sink has two bowls, whether the appliance drain joins the sink waste and if any plumbing was recently moved. Leave the connections in place.
What if it smells after draining?
We check whether the trap keeps its water seal when nearby fixtures empty. If it loses water, we check the shared waste and ventilation. If the seal remains, we check accessible waste joints, blanking caps and any air admittance valve. Fine droplets across a cold bowl with dry joints can be condensation.
What AquaFix can check
We can trace the water from the first wet point, check accessible pipework and discuss a compatible seal, trap, valve or connector where needed. The size of the waste, the available space and any appliance connection affect the choice of part.
Read about washing machine and dishwasher connections
Further reading
- WaterSafe guidance on leaks in the home
- McAlpine examples of domestic appliance traps and hose connections
- Bosch guidance on dishwasher water supply and waste hoses
- Electrical Safety First guidance for kitchens