How do I fix a hole in my sink?

Having a hole or a leak in your sink can be a frustrating and messy problem. Water leaks can cause damage to your cabinets, flooring and walls, and lead to mold growth. Fixing a hole in the sink yourself is often a simple task that can save you the cost of calling in a plumber. In most cases, you just need some basic tools and supplies from the hardware store to complete the repair. Here is a step-by-step guide to show you how to patch a hole in your stainless steel, porcelain or fiberglass sink.

What causes holes and leaks in sinks?

There are a few common causes of holes and leaks in sinks:

• Corrosion – Over time, water can corrode and eat away at the metal under your sink, leading to small pinholes and leaks.
• Cracked sink – Dropping heavy objects in the sink or applying too much force can actually crack the sink material itself.
• Improper installation – If the sink was not properly installed and sealed, it may develop leaks over time.
• Damage from plumbing – If a sharp object becomes stuck in the garbage disposal or drain, it can damage the sink.

In most cases, these small holes and leaks are repairable. You just need to thoroughly clean, dry and fill the hole with the appropriate sealant or epoxy resin designed for your type of sink.

Supplies needed

Before starting any sink repair project, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Old rags or towels
• Sandpaper
• Masking tape
• Sealant or epoxy suited for your sink material
• Putty knife or spatula

For stainless steel sinks, you will need a stainless steel repair epoxy. For porcelain, fiberglass or enamel sinks, use a porcelain repair epoxy designed for bathroom and kitchen sinks. Make sure to use products designed for plumbing and wet areas.

How to fix a hole in a stainless steel sink

Stainless steel sinks are very common. Here are the steps to patch a hole or leak:

1. Clean the area thoroughly – Remove any debris, clean with abrasive scrub pads and use acetone to remove any grease or dirt.
2. Sand and roughen area – Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the metal around the damaged spot. This will help the epoxy bind better.
3. Widen hole – Use a drill to open the hole up and remove any corrosion. A wider hole will allow more epoxy to fill in.
4. Dry completely – Use compressed air or a hair dryer to completely dry out the area.
5. Apply epoxy – Fill the hole with stainless steel repair epoxy using a putty knife. Apply a little extra epoxy and make sure the hole is thoroughly filled.
6. Smooth epoxy – Once filled, use the putty knife to smooth out the epoxy until level with the sink.
7. Allow to fully cure – Most stainless steel epoxy will take 6-12 hours to fully harden and cure.
8. Sand and polish – Once cured, use 120 grit sandpaper to smooth and blend the edges. Polish with fine steel wool to blend with sink.
9. Seal – Apply clear enamel sealant over the patched area to seal.

Tips for stainless steel sink repair

• Make sure to match the same gauge or thickness of the original sink when choosing the repair epoxy.
• Completely cure and harden the epoxy before sanding or polishing to avoid filling the sink drains with epoxy dust.
• Wipe a small amount of liquid dish soap around the sanded and cleaned hole before applying epoxy. This will help the epoxy stick and seal better.

How to fix a hole in a porcelain, ceramic or fiberglass sink

Porcelain, ceramic and fiberglass sinks can also develop small holes, cracks and leaks over time. Here is how to properly patch them:

1. Clean and dry – Remove any debris and clean the area thoroughly. Let dry completely.
2. Sand surface – Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the porcelain or fiberglass around the damaged area.
3. Widen crack – Use a drill to open any crack to at least 1/4 inch wide. This allows the epoxy to fill in better.
4. Apply epoxy – Stir or mix porcelain epoxy. Fill hole or crack with epoxy using a putty knife.
5. Smooth – Wipe away any excess epoxy and blend in with sink surface.
6. Cure – Let porcelain epoxy cure fully, usually about 8-12 hours.
7. Sand and polish – Use wet sandpaper to smooth and polish once fully cured.
8. Seal – Apply clear enamel sealant over sanded area.

Tips for porcelain and fiberglass sink repair

• Make sure to use epoxy specifically designed for porcelain or fiberglass. All-purpose epoxies may not bond correctly.
• Thoroughly stir and blend 2-part epoxies together – improper mixing can lead to soft spots.
• For cracks, drill small holes at each end to prevent further cracking after repair.
• Let epoxy cure fully before polishing and sanding to prevent dust in drains.

Common problems and solutions

Even when carefully following all repair steps, you may run into some common problems. Here are some solutions if your sink repair doesn’t go as planned:

Problem	Solution
Epoxy won’t stick or bond	Make sure to thoroughly sand and clean the damaged area first. Wipe with acetone or rubbing alcohol right before applying epoxy. Mix 2-part epoxy thoroughly.
Repaired spot leaks after curing	Hole or crack may be larger than expected. Open wider and re-fill with epoxy. Make sure to use enough epoxy to thoroughly fill the hole. Let cure fully.
Repair spot sinks or looks uneven	Too much epoxy was applied. Sand and smooth down cured epoxy until level with sink. Reapply thinner layer if needed.
Epoxy filled drain	Always let epoxy fully cure before sanding to avoid dust. May need a plumber to clear drain pipes.

Preventing future leaks and damage

To help prevent future leaks and holes in your sinks, be sure to follow these tips:

• Avoid letting water pool around drains which can corrode metal sinks.
• Clean garbage disposal carefully and avoid letting silverware or glass go down drains.
• Don’t pour grease down drains which can build up on pipes.
• Install protective pads or mats under heavy pots, pans or appliances that sit on countertops.
• Consider re-sealing sinks every few years to maintain waterproof seals.
• Address leaks quickly before major damage occurs.

When to call a plumber

While many small holes and cracks can be repaired by homeowners, there are some cases when calling a professional plumber is a better option:

• Hole is larger than 1 inch across.
• Sink is completely cracked in half.
• You can see a steady leak coming from below the sink or from drain pipes.
• Sink is badly warped, bent or damaged beyond basic repair.
• You don’t feel comfortable completing the repair yourself.

For severe damage or leaks that require removing the sink for replacement, always call a qualified plumber to avoid making the issue worse or causing water damage.

Conclusion

Fixing a hole or leak in your sink is often an easy and inexpensive DIY home repair. With the right supplies and preparation, you can patch stainless steel, porcelain or fiberglass sinks in just a few steps. Pay attention to properly cleaning, sanding and drying the damaged area before applying the appropriate epoxy. Let the epoxy cure fully before sanding or polishing. Call a plumber for any major sink damage or leaks beyond a basic patch. Follow these tips and you can fix those annoying sink holes yourself and prevent further plumbing issues.