Drip from under the kitchen sink - how to fix?

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kissiffer4

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Hi everyone,

I was having a clean out beneath the kitchen sink today and found a slow drip. Luckily I had a bowl there that caught all of the water, but if you look at the attached photo, you can see where it is leaking (around the middle). Any suggestions on how to fix this much appreciated. I am a complete novice when it comes to plumbing (apart from knowing where to shut off the main water supply!), so grateful for any help

Cheers.
 

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Jadnashua

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Those nuts are compression fittings, and depending on where it is leaking, you may just be able to slightly tighten the nut on the joint where it is leaking. Note, while I do not see any tape on the joints, if that was used, that can cause a leak...the joints do not require anything extra to make a seal.
 

FullySprinklered

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I've seen on several occasions that the ferrule under the nut had been installed backwards causing a drip. So, if you loosen the white plastic nut and pull it back from the connection, you should see a plastic washer under there with a tapered side oriented in the direction away from the nut. God, I hope I'm making sense here.
 

Gary Swart

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Those joints do not require a wrench. Just hand tighten is usually sufficient. As noted, no tape or other sealant should be use.
 

kissiffer4

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Thanks everyone. Daft question, but what is the best tool to use to loosen/tighten those joints? I will probably just hand tighten, but for future reference it would be good to know. Thanks.
 

Jadnashua

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The seals could be harder plastic, or softer (synthetic) rubber. The rubber ones are easier to make seal, but they both work IF they are oriented properly. You want the narrow tapered side to be pushed into the crack when the nut is tightened with the flat side towards the nut.
 
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