Water leaking around the edge of a sink is often caused by worn or missing sealant between the sink and the worktop or wall, which lets splashed water seep underneath. It can also come from the tap base, the overflow, a sink that has moved, or water running along from somewhere nearby.
Working out when the water appears can help separate a seal problem from a plumbing leak. The answer can make a big difference to what needs repairing.
Worn or Missing Sealant
Many sinks and basins are sealed to the worktop, vanity top or wall with silicone or a rubber seal. Over time this can crack, shrink, peel away or grow mould, leaving gaps for water to get through.
Sealant around a sink can also lift if the sink moves slightly each time it is used, which may point to a fixing problem rather than worn sealant alone.
Water that gets under the edge may soak into a wooden worktop, swell a vanity top or run down the inside of the cupboard. Replacing sealant can help where it has failed, but it will not stop a leak that is coming from the plumbing itself.
A Loose or Moving Sink
If a sink is not held firmly, it may move slightly when it is leaned on or filled. This can break the seal along the edge and let water through. In kitchens, inset sinks are often held by clips under the worktop that can loosen. In bathrooms, a basin may be fixed to the wall or a pedestal.
Movement can also put strain on the tap and waste connections, which may lead to leaks underneath.
Taps, Overflows and Nearby Sources
A tap with a worn seal at its base can leak onto the area around the sink, making it look like the sink edge is the problem. The overflow slot on some sinks and basins can also leak if its connection is loose, usually when the sink is filled near the top.
Water from a nearby window, dishwasher or splashback may also find its way to the sink edge. A kettle or drainer that drips onto the worktop can do the same. Water around a sink does not always mean the sink itself is leaking.
What You Can Do
Dry the area, then watch where water first appears when you use the tap, fill the sink and let it drain. If it only appears after splashing, a sealant issue may be more likely. If it appears with the tap off, the supply or another source may be involved.
Our page on repairing a leaking sink explains how leaks around sinks and basins are assessed and repaired.
If water keeps appearing around the edge of your sink, a plumber can check the likely source and explain what may be needed to fix it.