Are you experiencing a kitchen plumbing problem that has caused your families routine to become disrupted? It can be very difficult to prepare meals and clean up messes when the kitchen sink is clogged and overflowing with a day’s worth of dishes. Worse yet is when it occurs during a holiday meal. Plumbing issues can occur in the kitchen faucet, sink, garbage disposal, and the dishwasher unit.
In this kitchen plumbing series we share insight on some of the major plumbing problems that a homeowner might encounter. Kitchen plumbing leaks, slow moving drains and kitchen drain clogs happen – and we can fit them! Below you will find valuable information about keeping your kitchen plumbing system healthy.
If you are experiencing a kitchen plumbing problem, call our trained plumbing professionals. We can have your kitchen plumbing running smoothly in no time at all. Free estimates, never a trip fee, fast and courteous service guaranteed!
Do You Know How To Stop a Persistent Kitchen Faucet Leak?
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
If a kitchen faucet is leaking you are going to be greatly inconvenienced hearing that sound as the water bounces off the surface of your porcelain or stainless steel sink. Keep these two ideas of thought in mind: 1) a faucet leaking at its base is usually caused by worn gaskets or the O-rings, (where the faucet meets the sink and in the faucet handle, respectively); and 2) a faucet leaking from the spout while the water is turned off can indicate the entire faucet may need to be replaced.
CONSIDER THIS: To silence the noise from a dripping faucet tie a string to the end of the spout and let the length of string fall into the sink. Now the water will travel down the string quietly.
Opposed to a leaky faucet – if water is not flowing properly through your faucet, the problem is likely to be with the aerator, (the screen mechanism located at the end of the faucet spout that mixes air and water). This ingenious part can become blocked with a build-up of minerals from hard water. Remove it and clean it out – most times this resolves the problem effectively.
What Causes Kitchen Sink Clogs and Slow Moving Drains?
Your kitchen sink is equipped with a P-shaped trap, (the curved pipe connecting the drain to the rest of the kitchen sink drain), prevents sewer gas and other noxious odors from entering your home. It is also the part of the kitchen drain that is usually the culprit of the most often homeowner plumbing problem. Grease, oil and soap scum can build up in the sink trap and restrict the flow of water or cause a leak. Minerals and sediment from hard water can deposit inside of pipes and drains which just adds to the thick gunk!
The following things should never be rinsed down the sink:
- Cooking oil or grease;
- Coffee grounds;
- Bones;
- String,
- Fibrous foods.
Avoid these items going down the kitchen drain, as well as the garbage disposal for optimal performance. It is actually possible to prevent kitchen sink clogs altogether by practicing preventive measures in the kitchen.
Are you experiencing kitchen sink issues? Visit our page devoted to kitchen sink and faucet plumbing to help you with the issues you may be experiencing.
Is Your Dishwasher Noisy or Leaking Water? We Can Help!
A noisy dishwasher could have a faulty part or be something as simple as how the dishes are loaded. Check for bones or silverware loose inside the machine, and make sure the dishwasher is sitting level.
If your dishwasher is leaking, remove the lower front panel and check the hoses to see if one is loose or leaking. Consider these four questions:
- Did you accidentally use too much detergent?
- Did you load the dishwasher incorrectly?
- Is the dishwasher level?
- Is the door closed properly?
CONSIDER THIS: The dishwasher temperature should be about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature by placing a candy thermometer in an upturned glass during a rinse cycle.
If you are experiencing dishwasher problems – visit our page dedicated to dishwasher plumbing to help you with the issues you are having.
Garbage Disposal Care
What is the most common problem when it comes to the garbage disposal?
Simply this – something went into the unit that should not have been put down that drain. Garbage disposals simply cannot handle materials like grease, stringy-fibrous food scraps and bones; they can cause the disposal to jam. If it does stop working, (you will hear a humming sound but no action will occur), press the reset button. That may be all that it takes to get it up and running again. To prevent further problems, try implementing the following habits:
- Only rinse recommended food items down the garbage disposal drain;
- Allow cold water to run down the drain for around 15 seconds before using it and for around 30 seconds afterwards.
Water arrives at your home under pressure and relies on gravity to exit; over time, a build-up of debris in the drains can restrict the flow of water. A plunger is your first defense against a clogged kitchen sink drain with a garbage disposal unit installed, so keep one handy just for the kitchen plumbing. It is recommended that a plunger with a round, red suction cup be chosen for sinks.
Experiencing a garbage disposal problem? Read more information at our page dedicated to garbage disposal plumbing problems.