How to repair small hole in stainless steel sink

S

Skipsteer

Joined
12 Jul 2016
Messages
94
Reaction score
1
Country
United Kingdom
Managed to get a small hole in the kitchen sink (see photo), which is leaking underneath.

Unfortunately the sink can't be easily replaced as it's fully integrated within a granite worktop.

Just wondering what's the best way to repair this?
Would applying plumbers mait underneath the hole keep it sealed and water tight?

Any suggestions and/or product recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • 20190620_124704.jpg
    20190620_124704.jpg
    163.3 KB · Views: 3,854
  • 20190620_190404.jpg
    20190620_190404.jpg
    206.5 KB · Views: 1,883
Last edited:
If you cannot hide it then flaunt it

Put a suitable sized stainless steel dome head bolt through the hole. Ensure it covers all the hole.

upload_2019-6-21_7-32-47.png


then a tap washer ( if large enough ) , a metal washer and nut under the hole.
0x94.jpg
 
I'd consider araldite for the repair after a good clean......and then work out how the sink can be removed.
I've done more than a few where the sink was simply stuck to the granite underside with silicone (n) how dense is that? Some timber support from under is vital.
John :)
 
bernardgreen said:
dome head bolt
Click to expand...

A stainless roofing bolt might be slightly better, being slotted rather than having a hex recess to collect gunk. A stainless carriage bolt would be even better having nothing on top, but then underneath you'll need to use some sort of bushing rather than a washer to 'miss' the square bit before putting the nut on. Multiple washers is a bad idea.

Either way, shouldn't the rubber washer/gasket go above the sink, or it will still weep through the threads?
 
rsgaz said:
A stainless carriage bolt would be even better having nothing on top
Click to expand...

Yes it would as a long time / permanent repair but would require the hole to be made ( roughly ) square.

rsgaz said:
shouldn't the rubber washer/gasket go above the sink
Click to expand...

Putting them under the sink keeps the height of the bolt head as low as possible in the sink. For a quick fit temporary repair the amount of water wicking along the thread would be managable
 
Last edited:
Get in someone with a TIG welding machine, then grind it back. You won't have the same finish afterwards but it saves messing about with nuts n bolt and the like. Or get a liner and plumb the liner in to the plug hole.

Nozzle
 
Lots of interesting ideas, thanks for all the suggestions!

Fitting a new sink is a definite no go. I've had plumbers out before and they advised it could cause more problems because it is so tightly fitted.

It's also the smaller and less used sink of a 2 sink configuration.

Ideally looking for something semi-permanent for the time being to last at least a couple if years and needs to be non-toxic solution/substance as it will occasional get used for washing dishes.

The hole is very small so keen not to put a screw through it if possible.

It would be good to try to decide on the best solution based on the above. Many thanks
 
Motman said:
Perhaps tap it flat using a hammer (same as a panel beater would) using a couple of hammers - one on top held flat and hammer from below to get it back to shape
Click to expand...

I'd do this first to make the hole as small and inconspicuous as possible and then i would use araldite or chemical metal to seal the hole from underneath. I'd probably bond a steel plate or similar underneath as part of the seal to give the repair some strength.

Welding would probably work, but will be a difficult job because the steel of a sink is so thin.
 
Nozzle said:
Get in someone with a TIG welding machine, then grind it back. You won't have the same finish afterwards but it saves messing about with nuts n bolt and the like. Or get a liner and plumb the liner in to the plug hole.

Nozzle
Click to expand...
Will most plumbers be able to do the welding or is it more of a specialised skill? Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top