If your faucet has detached from the sink, it can feel like a plumbing emergency. A faucet that comes loose or separates completely not only disrupts your daily routine but can also lead to leaks, water damage, or broken plumbing connections. Fortunately, this problem is more common than you might think, and in most cases, it’s repairable without replacing the entire fixture.
Why Faucets Detach from Sinks
A faucet detaches from the sink when the connection holding it in place fails. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Loose Mounting Hardware: The nut or bracket that secures the faucet underneath the sink may have loosened over time.
- Worn or Broken Gasket: Rubber or plastic seals that cushion and stabilize the faucet can degrade and slip.
- Excessive Movement: Constant pulling, pushing, or leaning on the faucet may loosen it.
- Improper Installation: If the faucet wasn’t tightened securely at installation, it may eventually detach.
- Corrosion or Rust: Metal mounting parts can corrode, weakening the faucet’s stability.
- Physical Damage: A heavy impact or repeated stress can cause the faucet body or base to crack and separate.
Signs of a Faucet Starting to Detach
- The faucet wiggles or shifts when used.
- Water seeps from the base of the faucet.
- You hear creaking sounds when adjusting the handle or spout.
- The faucet visibly lifts away from the sink surface.
How to Fix a Faucet That Has Detached
The repair depends on how badly the faucet has detached. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the flow of water.
Step 2: Inspect the Faucet Base
Check whether the faucet has completely separated from the sink or if it’s just loose. Look for broken parts, washers, or rust.
Step 3: Locate the Mounting Hardware
Under the sink, find the large nut or bracket that normally holds the faucet in place. In many cases, tightening this will solve the issue.
Step 4: Tighten or Replace the Mounting Nut
Use a basin wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. If it’s stripped, rusted, or broken, replace it with a new mounting kit (available at hardware stores).
Step 5: Check and Replace Washers or Gaskets
If the gasket under the faucet base is missing or damaged, replace it. This helps stabilize the faucet and prevent leaks.
Step 6: Reinstall the Faucet (if fully detached)
If the faucet came off completely, you may need to remove the supply lines, reposition the faucet in the mounting holes, and reconnect everything securely.
Step 7: Test for Leaks
Turn the water supply back on, run the faucet, and check under the sink for drips. Tighten connections as needed.
When You Need to Replace the Faucet
If the faucet body itself is cracked, corroded, or damaged beyond repair, replacement is the best option. Modern faucets are designed to last 10–20 years, but if yours is older and detaches frequently, upgrading may save you headaches long-term.
Repair and Replacement Costs
- Mounting hardware kit: ₦5,000–₦15,000 ($15–$40 internationally).
- Replacement washers/gaskets: ₦1,500–₦5,000 ($5–$15 internationally).
- Professional plumber service: ₦10,000–₦25,000 locally ($100–$200 in the US).
- New faucet replacement: ₦25,000–₦120,000+ ($80–$400 internationally), depending on style and brand.
How to Prevent a Faucet from Detaching Again
- Ensure mounting hardware is tightened securely during installation.
- Avoid leaning or putting weight on the faucet spout.
- Inspect the faucet base every year for signs of movement or leaks.
- Replace washers and gaskets before they wear out completely.
- Use silicone or gasket sealant during installation for added stability.
FAQs
1. Can I fix a detached faucet myself?
Yes, if the issue is just loose or worn hardware. With a basin wrench and replacement parts, most homeowners can repair it in under an hour.
2. Do I need to remove the sink to fix a detached faucet?
No. Most faucet repairs can be done from underneath the sink. Removing the sink is only necessary in extreme cases where access is impossible.
3. Why does my faucet keep coming loose?
Repeated loosening often means the mounting nut or bracket is stripped, or the gasket is worn out. Replacing these parts usually solves the problem.
4. Should I use plumber’s putty or silicone when reinstalling?
Yes. A thin bead of silicone or non-staining putty around the faucet base helps stabilize the faucet and prevent water seepage.
5. When should I replace instead of repair?
If the faucet is older than 10–15 years, corroded, or cracked, replacement is often more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
Conclusion
If your faucet has detached from the sink, it’s usually due to loose or worn-out mounting hardware, gaskets, or improper installation. In most cases, you can fix it yourself by tightening the nut, replacing washers, or reinstalling the faucet securely. If the faucet body itself is damaged, replacement may be the better option. By addressing the problem quickly, you’ll restore stability, prevent leaks, and extend the life of your sink setup.