General Plumbing Repairs

Basin Leak Repair

A leaking basin can quickly lead to damp, swollen cabinets, stained ceilings and wasted water. Basin leak repair focuses on finding the exact source of the leak and fixing it properly, whether it is from the waste, trap, overflow, tap tails or supply connections.

More information

What basin leak repair covers

Basin leaks are often caused by worn seals, loose connections or cracked fittings. The repair is tailored to the fault found, with a focus on stopping the leak and confirming everything is sound before we leave.

  • Locating the leak source (waste, trap, overflow, taps or supply pipework)
  • Isolating water safely to work on the basin
  • Re-sealing joints and renewing washers, O-rings or seals where needed
  • Repairing or replacing faulty traps, wastes, flexi hoses or valves (as required)
  • Checking for hidden drips in the cabinet and around pipe penetrations
  • Testing under flow and after a short settling period to confirm a dry finish

When this service is most useful

Book basin leak repair if you can see water in the vanity unit, notice a musty smell, or find damp patches on nearby walls or ceilings. It is also suitable if the leak only appears when the basin is draining, or when taps are turned on and off. Landlords and small premises often use this service to prevent minor issues becoming call-outs or damage claims.

What happens during the visit

The first step is a focused diagnosis to identify whether the leak is on the waste side (drainage) or the supply side (pressurised water). The water is then isolated as needed, defective parts are repaired or replaced, and joints are reassembled with correct sealing. Finally, the basin is run and drained repeatedly to confirm there are no drips under normal use.

After the repair

You will be advised on what was causing the leak and any early signs to watch for, such as movement in the trap or recurring dampness. If pipework or basin fittings are near end-of-life, you can plan a preventative replacement rather than waiting for another failure. If further issues are found, you will know what the next sensible options are before work goes ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of a basin leak?
Most basin leaks come from the trap or waste seal, loose compression joints, or worn tap connectors and flexi hoses. Cracked plastic traps and poorly sealed overflows are also common. A proper diagnosis is important because the leak point is not always where water appears.
Is a leaking basin an emergency?
A steady drip can become urgent if it is on the supply side, as it is under mains pressure and can worsen quickly. If water is pooling, dripping through a ceiling, or you cannot stop it with the tap, isolate the water if possible and book a repair. Slow leaks should still be fixed promptly to prevent damage and mould.
Will you need to replace parts to fix the leak?
Sometimes a leak is resolved by tightening and re-sealing a joint or replacing a washer or O-ring. If a trap, waste fitting, flexi hose or valve is cracked or worn, replacement is usually the most reliable fix. You will be told what is needed before anything is fitted.
How long does basin leak repair usually take?
Many basin leaks can be diagnosed and repaired in a single visit, especially if access is clear and parts are standard. More time may be needed if the leak is intermittent, there is previous poor pipework, or fittings are non-standard. You can help by clearing out the cupboard under the basin before arrival.
Can you repair a leak under a vanity unit with limited access?
In many cases, yes, but access can affect how the repair is carried out. If panels or drawers need to be removed for safe working, this will be discussed first. Where access is too restricted, you may be advised on the simplest way to improve access for a proper, lasting repair.

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