Unsure how moisture/water is getting behind faucet mounting nuts

[greggor3636]

Hello - I installed a brand new Delta faucet this past weekend for my parents. I also installed two new stainless steel flexible supply lines/pipes along with the faucet. I placed some newspaper on the floor of the sink cabinet to see if there are any water drips then they will show. The sink was used a handful of times and sat unused for about 6 hours. However, the last time I checked there was a spot on the newspaper about the size of a 50 cent piece. I double-checked both ends of both supply lines and they seem fine. I then looked up under the sink where the faucet mounting nuts are located and there appears to be moisture just on the outside of one of the nuts above the wet newspaper. I tightened both mounting nuts more but the moisture is still there. I tightened them so much I broke off a couple of the wings on the mounting nuts. Does anyone have any idea how the moisture/water could be behind the mounting nuts? What did I do wrong? I've tightened them as much as I possibly can. Also, if I need to remove the mounting nuts and start over again, does anyone have any tips on how to unloosen them when several of the wings are now gone? I have attached a couple of pictures showing the area under the sink with the moisture/wet part circled. Thank you!

 

[GReynolds929]

Got a picture of the topside?

 

[greggor3636]

Ugh, unfortunately I do not. My parents live 40 minutes away. Might be a few days before I get back for a pic.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

If I’m not mistaken, I am pretty sure that the waterproofing of a faucet like this is from the top side not the bottom. That means the top surface of your sink or counter needs to be clean and straight, and that the gasket needs to be between the faucet and the countertop or sink.

Is it possible some grit remained? Surely you did not forget the gasket or you’d have a lot more water than you’re showing.

If you tightened things so tight that you broke off one of the wings on these, that’s probably too tight. These are supposed to be hand tightened, and in the case when you need to remove them, hand loosened as well.

 

[greggor3636]

Thank you for the follow up! Much appreciated! I thought I really cleaned the sink off well before installing the new one but it's very possible you are correct. I'll reinstall and see if that was the case - and take my time this time. Thank you again!

 

[MicEd69]

Thank you for the follow up! Much appreciated! I thought I really cleaned the sink off well before installing the new one but it's very possible you are correct. I'll reinstall and see if that was the case - and take my time this time. Thank you again!

A lot of faucets use a layer of silicon to seal under the gasket as well.