Plumbing tips · November 1, 2026
Things that go drip in the night
Water in the cabinet under the kitchen sink almost always comes from one of three places. Finding which one is mostly a matter of watching.
The drain trap
The curved pipe under the sink is held together with plastic slip nuts and washers. They loosen with time and with things being shoved into the cabinet. A drip from the drain only shows when water is running down it.
The supply lines
Two flexible lines run from the shut-off valves up to the faucet. A loose fitting, a worn line or a valve stem that weeps leaks all the time, whether the faucet is on or not. Braided lines that are bulging or rusty should be replaced.
The dishwasher and disposal
The dishwasher drain hose and the disposal both connect under the sink. A leak that only shows when the dishwasher runs, or from the bottom of the disposal, points to one of those.
How to find it
Empty the cabinet, dry every pipe and fitting with a towel, and lay a paper towel flat on the cabinet floor. Run the water, then the dishwasher, and watch where the first drop lands and what it ran down from.
Questions we get asked
Why is the cabinet floor soft or swollen?
A slow leak can go on for weeks before anyone sees it. Particle board soaks it up and swells. Fix the leak first, then dry the cabinet out before it grows mold.Should I turn off the valves under the sink?
If the leak is from a supply line or the faucet, yes. Turn both handles clockwise. If a valve will not turn or drips when you move it, leave it and shut off the main.Can a leak come from the faucet above the counter?
Yes. Water leaking around the faucet base or the sprayer hose can run down under the counter and drip into the cabinet, so it looks like a leak below.Plumbing questions we answer
Where we go
Parker, Wise and Tarrant County, out of the shop in Springtown. Springtown, Weatherford, Azle, Boyd, Decatur, Newark, Millsap, Fort Worth and the country in between.
Call 817-487-8866