Most modern kitchen’s have three basic plumbing fixtures. For installation and repair purposes, the kitchen sink, garbage disposer and dishwasher are almost a single unit. The disposer is an extension of the sink drain, and all three share a single trap and drainpipe. If leaks are caught at an early stage, most repairs are simply a matter of replacing washers or tightening nuts and screws.
This section is meant to offer insight into the two problems that most frequently plague kitchen sinks: clogged drains and leaky supply pipes. First, it is possible to practically avoid clogs altogether by placing strainer baskets in the drain openings and not pouring grease or coffee grounds down the drain. If a sink does back up, a plunger or manual auger will break up most clogs. Use a chemical drain cleaner only in a porcelain sink if the drain is only partially clogged; but never use chemicals in an enamel or stainless-steel sink; they will mar the finish.
More serious blockages can be cleared by a professional who has equipment to open the trap or probe the drainpipe behind the wall or underneath the floor.
If you are experiencing a dishwasher plumbing problem or are having trouble getting your garbage disposal drain problem fixed please visit one of our pages dedicated to these plumbing issues. If you need a plumber give us a call – 24/7 – including weekends and holidays. No trip fees and you will never be charged any overtime fees.
Why Do I Have Water Under My Kitchen Sink? Where is my Leak?
If you happen to find water under your kitchen sink there are some things that you should take note of to help diagnose the problem. It could be that your dishwasher hose clamp has come loose from vibration or that it has just worn out. Check the dishwasher hose to see if it has become worn or kinked. You might have a leak where the sink strainer joins the bottom of the sink. Check the tail piece connection, as well as, the trap and drain washers to see if they are worn. Garbage disposers also have washers within the drainpipe system that can become worn and fail. And lastly, faucets can develop leaks around the base or around faucet handles and spouts.
Do you think your kitchen sink faucet is leaking? It could be a simple part that can be replaced or the faucet may need replaced. Visit our page dedicated to kitchen sink faucet problems to find out more about what you can do when a faucet fails.
Is It Possible to Avoid Kitchen Sink Clogs?
Boiling water poured down the drain weekly can help minimize the chance of developing a kitchen sink clog, and if you begin to notice a sluggish drain, don’t waste time, calling on a professional for their expertise makes the most sense. Slow moving drains become clogged drains rather quickly. It can happen in the course of one day if you are cooking a large family meal and you are not strict about what you allow to go down the drain or garbage disposal. Only use harsh chemical drain cleaners as a last resort.
- Garbage Disposal Care: Turkey skin, string from a rolled rump roast, ham and other stringy meats, bones, potato peels, celery, corn husks, pumpkin, seeds or any other fibrous food waste can seize up the garbage disposal and jam the chopping blades. Once the garbage disposal jams there is nothing going to pass through the drain until it is repaired. To practice prevention is the best solution and by simply grinding some ice cubes periodically can keep the blades sharp. Lemon rinds help keep the garbage disposal drain smelling fresh. Always run cold water for at least 15 seconds before starting the disposer and for about 30 seconds after to insure everything has been rinsed down the drain thoroughly.
If you think your kitchen sink plumbing issue may be due to a garbage disposal drain problem visit our page dedicated to this specific kitchen fixture. We can also send a professional plumber to your house for a free drain inspection today. Give us a call.
- Dishwasher Care: Load dishes according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use only the recommended amount and type of dishwasher detergent in your machine. Adding extra soap can cause your dishwasher to leak water from the door all over your floor. Remember to clean the screen in the bottom of your dishwasher regularly as food, labels from jars or other items can block the water from draining out of the machine. If you hear noise after the dishwasher starts a cycle, pause the machine and open the door to investigate. Loose silverware could damage the machine if it gets trapped between the rack and the path of the turning spray arms.
If dishwasher plumbing problems have you stumped please find helpful information on that page to help you discover what might be going on – from connection leaks, to slow moving drains and clogs – we have an answer that just might help!