How does one find the source of a leak under the kitchen sink?

May 18, 2022 5:24 PM

My single-handled kitchen sink faucet handle was wiggly, so I had Moen send me free replacement innards. I had a friend's husband install the parts. Now there is a weird leak occurring under the sink.

It is a very slow leak. Little puddles of water (like 1/4 ") slowly appear on the floor of the cabinet under the sink in a very specific spot, eventually very slowly joining together to become a bigger tiny puddle. I've looked and looked, and I just cannot find the source of the leak. Got any tips as to how to find it? Should I call a plumber?

posted by SageTrail to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

Best answer: Have had success using talc, baking soda or flour - dry the area thoroughly, then 'puff' a layer onto the pipes. Give it a bit of time and you should hopefully see a trace or something to narrow down where the problem is.
posted by azlondon at 6:47 PM on May 18, 2022 [4 favorites]

Does it have a pull out sprayer head? I get a slow leak once in a while because the hose loosens where it attaches to the sprayer head. I can finger tighten the threaded connection and the leak stops.
posted by Sukey Says at 7:23 PM on May 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

Sometimes it is around the sink, the silicon grout thinned in one place, and water from the counter dribbles down there.
posted by Oyéah at 7:24 PM on May 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: 'puff' found the main source.
Sprayer did need tightening.
Grout is thin.
Poor old sink. I'm calling a plumber tomorrow.
posted by SageTrail at 8:42 PM on May 18, 2022 [2 favorites]