- Plumbing & Drain
- Home Repairs
- Installation & Setup
Sink & Basin Repair & Replacement
Water seeping in around the edge of the sink, an undermount sink coming loose, a connection leaking under the cabinet, or want to replace the sink in the same spot? Your plumber can check where the leak is coming from and how the sink is secured, and, based on what is actually needed, reseal the surface caulk, repair the sink's mounting hardware and direct connections, or install a compatible new sink or basin.
- Service area
- Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond
Common issues
Water getting in at the sink edge seam
The first step is to tell whether the leak is coming from the surface caulk, the faucet or the drain; resealing the surface alone is only suitable when the sink and its support are secure and intact.
Undermount sink sagging or loose
The sink's mounting hardware, support, countertop and vanity or sink cabinet are checked; adding caulk on the surface cannot replace repairing the support.
Leak under the cabinet or at a drain connection
Note whether it leaks constantly, after the tap is turned on, or while water drains, so your plumber can check the related supply, drain and P-trap connections.
Replacing the sink in the same spot
The old and new sizes, mounting method, cutout, support and connection locations are checked to confirm whether a compatible swap is possible.
Leaks after the dishwasher or garbage disposal runs
The drain connections related to the sink can be checked; repairs to the appliance itself and electrical repairs must be arranged separately.
What the pro will do
- 1
Your plumber gets details on the symptoms, location, quantity and when the leak happens, and collects photos of the sink surface, under the cabinet and the connections that can be taken safely, as well as information on the old and new products, building arrangements and any need to dispose of the old sink.
- 2
They check the leak source, mounting and support, countertop and connections, verify compatibility, and explain the work, cost, water shut-off and any required permit arrangements, starting work only after confirming with you.
- 3
Within the agreed scope, they reseal, repair the mounting and connections, or replace the sink in the same spot. For any additional work within scope, the details and cost are confirmed first; countertop, vanity or sink cabinet, hidden piping or building repairs must be arranged separately.
- 4
Following the product requirements, they let the seal finish curing and check the sink's stability, how it holds and drains water, and the connections that were worked on, then clean up and explain when the sink can be used, how to care for it and what will happen to the old parts.
Good to know
Note when the leak happens
Leaking constantly, after the tap is turned on, while water is held in the sink or while it drains each give different clues for the inspection; photos cannot replace an on-site check.
Check before you buy a sink
Provide the product model and size along with photos of the current sink and countertop, so your plumber can check whether the cutout, mounting method, fittings and connections are compatible.
Don't take parts apart or hold up the sink yourself
Don't remove the P-trap, loosen the mounting hardware, drill into the countertop or strain to move a heavy sink; turning off the faucet handle also does not mean the water supply has been shut off.
Stop using it first if it comes loose or the leak is out of control
If the sink is sagging, the countertop is cracked, the cabinet is going soft or water is pooling near electrical appliances, stop using whatever is affected and arrange an inspection. If a chemical drain cleaner has been used, let your plumber know in advance.
Wait for the sealant to finish curing
Different sinks, countertops and sealant products have different requirements; go back to using it according to the actual product and your plumber's instructions, and avoid forcing anything tighter yourself or using harsh abrasives.
Local tips
Don't pour grease down the sink
Metro Vancouver notes that grease can harden in pipes and the sewer system; hot water, dish soap or a garbage disposal cannot get rid of grease problems downstream. Handle grease and cooking oil according to the rules where you are.
Arrangements for taking old sinks vary
Reuse, donation or recycling depends on the sink's material, its condition after removal and the drop-off point; municipal garbage carts, bulky item pickup and recycling depots also have different conditions. Before it is taken away, confirm the actual item, who will transport it, the cost and where it will be accepted.
This service is limited to surface resealing of existing standalone sinks and basins, repairing accessible mounting and direct supply and drain connections, and same-spot replacement that reuses compatible cutouts, support and fixed pipe locations. It does not include drain clearing, new installations or relocations, work on hidden or shared systems, countertop fabrication, modifying cutouts, alterations to vanities, sink cabinets or walls, integrated sink and countertop units that cannot be removed and replaced separately, the adjacent appliances themselves, electrical work, or handling water damage, mould or hazardous materials. The stability and visible leak-test results at the time cannot guarantee that hidden damage or downstream problems have been fixed.
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