The kitchen plumbing system provides water for cooking and cleaning, as well as carries wastewater away. It’s essential to have working plumbing in the kitchen, but it’s not uncommon for these systems to hit snags from time to time. Sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ have great resources for plumbing issues.
Read on to learn about six common kitchen plumbing problems and how to fix them.
Clogged Drains
The drains in your kitchen carry fresh water and wastewater away, but that flow can hit a snag if something goes down the wrong pipe. Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems that can require professional help to solve.
Grease and oil can solidify in your pipes and create tough clogs. You can reduce this risk by collecting used cooking grease in a jar or can and throwing it in the trash daily. Mineral buildup from hard water can also contribute to clogged pipes by coating the inside of drain lines. Soap residue, cotton swabs and other foreign objects can all cause or add to a drain clog.
Recognizing the early warning signs of a clogged drain, like slow drainage or foul odors, can save you the frustration of dealing with this common problem. Homeowners can try pouring a cup of table salt or baking soda, followed by boiling water to clear out a stubborn drain clog.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a big problem. They may burst and create water damage that requires professional repair. It’s important to understand what causes pipes to freeze, how to spot the signs of a frozen pipe, and what to do about it if you think you have a frozen pipe.
The first sign of a frozen pipe is usually a lack of water from your faucets and fixtures. You may also notice that a faucet has an odor. If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, shut off the water at the main valve located by your water meter or where the water line enters your home.
Once you’ve turned off the water, try to thaw the frozen section of pipe by applying heat. This can be done by wrapping the pipe in an electric heating pad, using a blow dryer or portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or using towels doused with hot water.
Low Water Pressure
When the water pressure in your kitchen sink drops to a trickle, it can make it hard to do simple tasks like washing dishes or taking showers. Fortunately, there are several things you can try before calling in a plumber.
If your water pressure is low, first check to see if any of your appliances are leaking or if there are any leaks in your plumbing system. You may also want to look at your water heater to see if it is leaking or has a problem with the pressure regulator.
If you are still having trouble, you may have a clogged drain or pipes. You can try using a plunger in the hope that a clog will dislodge itself, but it’s likely that you have a larger clog in the pipe system somewhere beneath your house. It’s a good idea to call a professional to take a look and perform any necessary repairs.
Double Sink Clogs
While double sinks offer more flexibility and convenience in the kitchen, they can also be prone to clogs. It’s easy for food scraps, hair, grease and other waste to build up inside the drain and pipes. Using a strainer, installing a garbage disposal and pouring cooking grease into a disposable can are all preventative measures that can help.
When a double sink begins to back up, it usually means that one or both of the sinks’ drains are clogged. This can be a result of a blockage in the main drainage line or P trap. It can also be caused by a clogged garbage disposal or non-food items (like bottle caps, twist ties and rubber bands) that are blocking the drain.
Using a plunger and/or baking soda can usually dislodge most clogs. If not, a plumber should be called to take a closer look and determine the cause of the clog. This could require removing the plumbing from the wall and checking the sewer line.