Kitchen plumbing repairs are never fun, but they’re something almost every homeowner has to deal with at some point. Although these problems can be frustrating, the good news is that most of these can be solved with simple fixes that you can do yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some common kitchen plumbing issues, how to fix them, and when to call in a professional plumber to deal with them.
Everyday Kitchen Plumbing Issues and Quick Fixes
Plumbing problems are common but can be a real headache. However, understanding these everyday issues and knowing how to deal with them can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are the most common kitchen plumbing problems:
Clogged Drains
A clogged sink is one of the most common issues occurring in your kitchen. It can be especially annoying when you’re preparing meals and want your kitchen to be as clean as possible. Food particles, grease, and soap scum can build up in the drain over time leading to slow drainage or even complete blockage. But before you reach for a bottle of chemical cleaner, these methods can be safer and more effective .
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Boiling Water Method
Pouring boiling water down the drain gradually can soften the built-up grease and other debris, which might clear the blockage.
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Baking Soda and Vinegar
If boiling water doesn’t work, you can try pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. It leads to a chemical reaction to create carbon dioxide which generates pressure for cleaning up the drain. For safety, cover the drain for 10-15 minutes, then flush it with boiling water again.
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Plunger
A plunger can also help open a drain by creating suction to dislodge the debris blocking it. To use a plunger, fill the sink with a bit of water, place the plunger over the drain, and pump it up and down for about 20 seconds to create suction. For better results, you can use the plunger in combination with hot water. However, if even this doesn’t work, it might be time to call a professional plumber.
Leaky Faucets
Even if you can tolerate that continuous dripping sound, leaky faucets waste water, causing higher water bills. A leaky faucet can be due to a worn-out washer or O-ring that needs to be replaced. The good news is that it might be one of the simplest kitchen plumbing repairs. Here is how you can fix a leaky faucet:
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Turn the Water Off
Before you start repairing the leak, make sure to turn the water supply off to avoid a watery mess while you fix the faucet.
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Disassemble the Faucet
Now, unscrew the handle of the faucet to expose the internal parts. You’ll need a wrench to loosen the valve.
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Replace the Washer
Once the faucet is disassembled, inspect the internal parts to see if the washer or O-ring looks worn or broken. If it is, you can find a new one at a hardware store to replace it.
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Reassemble
Now after you have fixed the problem, reattach the parts and tighten them just until snug. Be careful not to overtighten the fittings, as this can cause cracks or leaks over time.
Read More: How to Handle Common Plumbing Emergencies
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a headache and can make doing the dishes a nightmare. This is often noticed when washing dishes or filling pots takes longer than usual, and is common in areas with hard water. It can be due to several reasons like the buildup of minerals in the aerator, which is the small screen at the tip of the faucet, or the pipes.
To fix the low-pressure problem, unscrew the aerator by turning it counterclockwise, and soak it in vinegar for an hour to dissolve any minerals blocking it. After an hour, scrub it with an old toothbrush, rinse it, and then reattach it to the faucet. However, if it doesn’t work, the issue might be with the pipes, and you should call a plumber for an inspection to solve this problem.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are another common issue in kitchens that can lead to water damage or even mold if they’re not dealt with quickly. The leak might be due to a loose connection or a damaged pipe. While you can try patching up small leaks yourself, you should call professional plumbers for major leaks as you need to act fast to avoid flooding. Here are some ways to fix a leakage:
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Tighten the Connections
If the water is leaking from a connection point, use a wrench to tighten any loose nuts or connections. However, be careful not to overtighten anything as that might further damage the pipes.
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Use Plumber’s Tape
If the problem isn’t solved by tightening the connection, you can wrap the plumber’s tape around the threads before re-tightening the connection. The plumber’s tape can help create a better seal and might stop the leak.
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Replace Damaged Pipes
If a pipe section is damaged and has larger cracks or leaks, you might need to replace the damaged section of the pipe. Cut out the leaky part of the pipe and install a new piece using pipe connectors and tape.
Garbage Disposal Jams
Garbage disposals are very handy for grinding food waste, but they can easily get jammed if you’re not careful about what you put down there. Items like bones, fibrous vegetables, and excess grease can clog or damage the disposal. Here are some simple fixes you can try but be sure to turn the power off before attempting any repairs:
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Check for Blockages
There might be some hard objects that didn’t get ground and are blocking the blades. Use a flashlight to look into the disposal and check for blockages. But don’t use your hand—use tongs or pliers to remove any visible objects without risking any injury. After you have cleared the blockage, press the reset button to see if it works now.
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Manually Rotate the blades
If it’s still jammed, you can use an Allen wrench to manually rotate the blades from the bottom of the disposal. This may dislodge the object and get things moving again.
Why Should You Call Professionals for Kitchen Plumbing Repairs?
While it might be tempting to try fixing any kitchen plumbing issues yourself, it can often backfire. That’s why you should call professional plumbers to deal with plumbing problems, saving you time, money and effort. At RK Plumbing & HVAC Services LLC, we specialize in kitchen plumbing repairs, from fixing leaky faucets and unclogging drains to repairing garbage disposals. Our experienced technicians use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve issues quickly, ensuring your kitchen plumbing functions flawlessly.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a major headache—Contact RK Plumbing & HVAC Services LLC today, your kitchen deserves the best care!
