How to fix damaged rubber gasket under kitchen sink?

[roximn]

Hi all,

I have just discovered some water damage under the kitchen sink. It looks like the rubber gasket and plumber’s putty have become damaged - don’t know how. Advice on how to remedy this appreciated!

 

 

[redracer01 · Accepted solution]

Hello @roximn 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your sink waste.

I'm afraid this is going to be a very involved repair job. It will require the plug and waste to be taken apart by removing the locking screw from the top. This will allow you to remove the top section of the waste. The "T" junction will need to be disassembled by removing the compression fittings and the dishwasher outlet removed. 

Once that's done only then will you be able to remove the bottom waste assembly. If incorrectly re-assembled the fittings will leak and cause more trouble. I recommend engaging the services of a licensed plumber to remove and replace your plug and waste with a new Kinetic Stainless Steel Sink Basket Waste. It's a convenient repair method rather than trying to hunt down a compatible O ring for your old plug and waste.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Red

[roximn]

Hi Red,

Thanks! I suspected that might be the case! Good to know what needs doing and with what 👍 

cheers!

[JacobZ]

Hi @roximn,

@redracer01 has summed it all up nicely.

I'd suggest following their advice and if you have any trouble, contact a plumber for assistance.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.

Jacob

[whatahoot]

Hello, I have a similar problem. There was a lot of “crud” all over the rubber, assumedly sink waste, but it has not dripped anywhere. I cleaned it off then dried the rubber. Following day, after using sink a few times, the rubber is damp but still not dripping. It doesn’t seem very serious to me, though it’s not perfect. Do you think it needs the attention of a plumber or ok to leave? Thanks for your help

[EricL]

Hello @whatahoot 

Thank you for sharing your question about your kitchen plug and waste. If there is no evidence of a leak inside the floor of your cabinet, I propose leaving the assembly alone for the meantime. However, should there be evidence of a leak on the cabinet floor and shelves, then it would be time to have it serviced.  

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[whatahoot]

Hi Eric, we have quite a lot of leaking now. Is this something that needs a plumber’s attention or is it possible to fix ourselves? Thank you 🙏 

[JacobZ]

Hi @whatahoot,

Do you have some photos of your sink showing where it is leaking?

A photo from the top as well as underneath would certainly help.

If it is linking from the waste, replacing a Waste Seal or the whole sink waste is not the hardest thing in the world, but we'll need to identify a size that will work.

Can you advise what the diameter of this thread is?

Can you also advise what the diameter of the strainer is on the top of the sink?

With these measurements, we can just remove the waste and replace it with a new one. 

With a few more details, I can certainly advise further.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob