Saving on R&M doesn't have to be a pipe dream. Try these troubleshooting steps to resolve common sink issues.
Problem: Sink is clogged
Check for large debris. Any large items should be fished out with a utensil.
Use a drain snake to attempt to loosen up the line from any debris further into the pipe.
💡Tip: Drain snakes can be found for less than $20 at your local hardware store. Keeping one in your toolkit can keep the water flowin' and avoid unnecessary costs and downtime.
Plunge the sink if the drain snake doesn’t remove the clog.
Use a wet or bucket vac as a final step to remove water and attempt to suck the clog out of the drain.
Problem: Leaky hose/pipe
If water is also backed up into the sink, the pipe could be clogged. Follow the sink is clogged guidance above.
Verify every connection point between the hose or pipe and water source is solid.
Disconnect and clean any connector that has sediment. Then, reconnect the line.
Any connector that does not have sediment should be tightened.
If there’s no clog and all connections are clean and tight, the leak could be coming from a cracked pipe.
💡Tip: Painter’s tape or putty can be used to cover a cracked pipe in a pinch until a plumber is dispatched for service.
Problem: Leaky manual faucet
Verify the water source connections are solid.
Disconnect and clean any connector that has sediment. Then, reconnect the line.
Any connector that does not have sediment should be tightened.
Verify the connection of each handle.
Remove and clean handles with sediment. Then, reconnect the handles.
Any handle without buildup should be tightened.
If a faucet leak is still present, the sink could have a failed cartridge.
💡Tip: Have a facility manager on your staff? They can take a look and potentially replace it instead of calling for service.
Problem: Odor present
This may result from having a dry p-trap.
Use a cleaning solution to flush the sink and pipe of any residue.
Fill the p-trap reservoir with water.
Further Troubleshooting
