POSSIBLE CAUSES & NEXT STEPS
Water under the sink: what to check and who can help
What should I do when I find water under a sink?
Avoid using the nearby fixture if that can be done safely, and arrange a plumbing assessment. A wet cabinet can be associated with a supply connection, drain, fixture or nearby equipment; its location alone does not confirm the cause.
Find your next step →Useful observations to share
Use what you already know. You do not need to inspect an unsafe area or reproduce the problem.
- Was the sink or nearby appliance being used when you noticed it?
- Is there a growing puddle, occasional drip, or an old stain?
- Have you noticed the same issue before?
Solutions to discuss
Water appears while a fixture is being used
Describe that timing to a plumber rather than repeatedly running the fixture to reproduce the leak.
Water appears even when the fixture is idle
Tell the plumber that observation too; avoid guessing which connection needs replacement.
The cabinet or surrounding material is wet
Ask whether drying or a separate water-damage assessment is needed alongside the plumbing repair.
Questions for the professional
- Which component is leaking, and how was that confirmed?
- Does the estimate include access, repair and restoring the affected area?
- Who will assess whether nearby materials are still wet?
Common questions
Should I tighten fittings myself?
This guide does not identify the fitting or its condition. If you are unsure, leave repairs to a qualified plumber rather than trying a repair based only on the water location.
Does the water check book a plumber?
No. It provides a possible service category and next step. It does not book a plumber. A separate cleanup and drying connection is available through our water-damage help page in listed ZIP codes; the network confirms availability.
Sources and scope
EPA WaterSense recommends addressing identified leaks promptly and notes that puddling and water spots under sinks can help reveal a leak.
These sources support general guidance; they do not validate Clearstep’s screening rules or assess your home. Read our methodology.
Turn your observations into a next step.
Answer a few short questions to see a possible service category. No account or contact details needed.
Start your water check →