Yes, although a slow drip into an empty sink with a clear, open drain is unlikely to cause a flood. The risk increases if the drain is blocked or plugged, water escapes around or beneath the fixture, or the leak becomes a steady flow or spray.
When is there a flood or water-damage risk?
Water can overflow or damage nearby materials when:
- the sink’s drain is blocked, covered or closed
- water leaks around the tap base and runs behind the basin or into cabinetry
- moisture appears beneath the sink near a flexible hose, isolation valve or connection
- the drip becomes a stream or spray
- cabinetry swells, flooring becomes damp or moisture spreads.
Wetness beneath the sink shows where water is appearing, not necessarily which fitting has failed. Do not dismantle or tighten pressurised plumbing connections.
A contained spout drip should still be repaired, but it usually does not require an emergency response while the sink drains normally.
What should you do if the leak becomes uncontrolled?
- Avoid electrical hazards: Keep away if water has reached power points, appliances, wiring or the switchboard. Do not touch wet electrical equipment or switches. Call 000 if there is an immediate threat to life.
- Isolate the water if safe: Close the fixture’s accessible isolation valve, if fitted. If the flow continues, use the property’s main shut-off valve, commonly near the water meter. Do not force a seized valve or enter a wet or unsafe area.
- Limit damage safely: Move people and possessions away. Use buckets or towels only from a dry, safe position.
- Arrange prompt help: Plumbing repairs involving tap connections, flexible hoses or valves should be handled by an appropriately licensed plumber.
Contact our leaking tap repair team and have a licensed plumber attend if water is escaping the fixture, entering cabinets, walls or floors, or cannot be safely isolated.