Leak under bathroom sink

[NC Roamer]

I was flushing the pink stuff from the water lines when I saw a leak beneath the bathroom sink. It was coming from the faucet — but it was definitely not leaking where the faucet edge sits on top of the sink.

Water leaks only when the faucet is open. The water looks like it is escaping between the sink and the countertop and then runs into the cabinet beneath.

Water flows out as noted in the first pic. It does not appear to be leaking at the plumbing connection. It’s running down the side of the sink.

Second pic shows the hole on top where the cold water line passes through the countertop. The faucet sits atop the plastic sink. The water appears to be flowing through the space between the plastic sink and the countertop and running into the cabinet below.

I am thinking of packing this space with waterproof bathtub/shower caulk. Running the A/C and a small fan overnight to get the area bone dry before caulking.

Any suggestions or caveats will be appreciated. Thanks.

[TWP723]

Packing it with caulk won't stop the leak. I'd replace the faucet and repair that line as well. One of them is leaking. Water will eventually rot the cabinet out.

[Jagiven]

Have you verified the faucet is not cracked.

Looks like you have removed it. Get a garden hose to pipe adaptor and check it while outside where it is easy to look at.

If its cracked, replace.

[Camper_bob]

+1 to the others. Caulking that space will not stop your problem.

FWIW, I replaced my bathroom faucet (nothing wrong with it other than it was too small for me to wash my hands) with one off Amazon that has metal (as opposed to plastic) internals for less than $30 I think?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

Have you verified the faucet is not cracked.

That's what I was thinking, not all the water was out of it over the winter.

[NC Roamer]

I bowed to the group’s combined wisdom. Stopped at Lowes and picked up a Delta replacement. Copper lines are identical length to those on the old faucet. Installation should be simple. (Oops, did I say that out loud?)

[JaycoMLOK]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

I bowed to the group’s combined wisdom. Stopped at Lowes and picked up a Delta replacement. Copper lines are identical length to those on the old faucet. Installation should be simple. (Oops, did I say that out loud?)

Now you done it! Busted knuckles and 4 hours . LOL

[jasum]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

I bowed to the group’s combined wisdom. Stopped at Lowes and picked up a Delta replacement. Copper lines are identical length to those on the old faucet. Installation should be simple. (Oops, did I say that out loud?)

Yes sir........you just jinxed yourself

[TCNashville]

When you reinstall the supply lines make sure the cone washers seat properly.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by TCNashville

When you reinstall the supply lines make sure the cone washers seat properly.

+1

I swapped one out on my dad's rig and one of the cone washers "stayed" with the old faucet. Added like 20 minutes to the job of me fiddling around trying to get it to stop leaking before I finally wised up and thought to look at the old faucet for the dang washers!

Turned a 10-minute job into a 30 minute job. Made me mad because I was too late getting to camp that day to make the evening hunt, and my plan was to swap the faucet, make us some drinks, light the campfire and relax a little before he got back from the deer blind that night.

[Marcm157]

You may want to consider adding shut offs while you are doing the replacement. I just did my bathroom and kitchen and feel better knowing I can isolate each if there is a problem.