I've noticed moisture seeping through the walls of my backyard. I also found that the p-trap under my kitchen sink is leaking, and I'm not sure how long it's been like this. While I can handle fixing the p-trap since I think the gasket is damaged, I'm concerned about any potential damage that might have already occurred. Is this a serious issue? Should I reach out to a plumber for help?
1 Answer
First off, definitely tackle the leak under the kitchen sink—your plan to fix the p-trap sounds solid! It might be worth trying some plumber's putty if the gasket isn't too far gone. Just make sure you get that sorted out ASAP.
As for the walls, it’s important to clarify what you mean by "walls in my backyard." Are you talking about the exterior walls of your house or maybe some kind of retaining walls? If it's your home, make sure water from the ground is sloping away from your foundation, along with ensuring your gutters and downspouts are directing water far from your base. After you've fixed those leaks, drying out the area is crucial—consider using fans or even opening up walls if needed to prevent further damage. Ignoring water issues can lead to costly repairs, so don’t wait too long. If it's too much to handle on your own, a plumber can be a good call!

To clarify, it’s the walls behind my kitchen where the issue is. The dirt next to those walls was wet, and it seems like the leak from the sink is what caused the water to seep through the ground into the foundation. Is that a common issue?