It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional chef or a peanut butter and jelly pro, you rely on your kitchen plumbing to function properly each day. And when something goes awry, it’s not just inconvenient; it can be downright damaging.
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we’re here to help ensure your plumbing system functions smoothly and efficiently. To do that, we’ve outlined four of the most common kitchen plumbing problems we see, along with a few simple fixes that can help get your system back on track.
Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
Kitchen sink drains are notorious for developing clogs because they tend to handle more solid matter than any other household drain. Even if your diligent about emptying food into the trash or using your garbage disposal properly, eventually, bits and pieces of food matter end up sticking to the interior of the drain.
Furthermore, because small amounts of oils and other greasy materials usually end up making their way into kitchen sink drains, too, that greasy residue easily traps incoming food particles. So how do you remedy the problem? First and foremost, back away from the chemical drain cleaners — they can do some serious damage to your plumbing.
Instead, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar into the drain. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for several minutes before flushing the drain with very hot or boiling water. If that quick trick doesn’t dissolve the clog satisfactorily, contact a professional drain cleaner.
Low Water Pressure at Kitchen Faucet
In many cases, low kitchen sink water pressure develops due to mineral accumulation in the faucet’s aerator, especially when the home has hard water. In less common cases, however, low pressure occurs due to leaks in the plumbing system, which are difficult to detect without professional help. If you have an aerator on your kitchen faucet and suspect that may be the culprit, try this:
● Unscrew the aerator from the faucet
● Fill a small dish with white vinegar
● Place the aerator in the vinegar and allow it to sit for several minutes
● Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the mineral buildup
If cleaning the aerator doesn’t solve the issue, or you don’t have an aerator on your faucet, contact a plumber who can inspect the pipes for signs of leakage.
Leaky Kitchen Faucet
If you’re dealing with a dripping kitchen faucet, it may be due to a very simple cause: a worn O-ring at the base of the faucet spout. Fortunately, if the O-ring is the culprit, you can remedy this issue with ease, but first, you’ll have to disassemble the faucet.
After you’ve located the worn O-ring, simply replace it with a new one and reassemble the faucet. If you don’t feel comfortable taking apart your faucet or you’re sure the O-ring isn’t the source of the problem, a plumber can inspect the faucet and the plumbing system for signs of leakage.
Non-functional or Jammed Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal problems are almost always due to improper use. If you’ve been putting food items in the disposal that the apparatus is not designed to handle, they can quickly clog the system, rendering it temporarily or even permanently inoperable. To remedy a clogged or non-functional disposal, calling a plumber is always your best bet. And, to ensure the disposal maintains long-term functionality after it’s fixed, avoid grinding up these items:
● Bones and seafood shells
● Coffee grounds
● Fats, oils, nuts, and greasy items
● Fibrous vegetables
● Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice, and potatoes
Got Kitchen Plumbing Problems? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating Today
Whether you’re dealing with a drain clog, a jammed disposal, or a leaky faucet, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating for help! With over 85 years of experience and four convenient locations in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau, our 24/7 team is always here for you when you need us. To learn more about our services, schedule your appointment, or request a service estimate, give our team a call at 715-421-1800 or send us a message on our contact page, and we’ll be in touch promptly.