The kitchen is the room in the home where most activities take place. In our kitchens, we cook, eat, entertain, and exchange gossip. Kitchens are often the social hub of the home. They also have more appliances than any other room in the home such as a cooker/oven, refrigerator, microwave oven, blender, dishwasher, cooker hood, and lots more.
Additionally, you will often find a countertop, backsplash, cabinets, and kitchen island in the kitchen. These features are made from different materials, each with its specific care routine. This makes the kitchen a very complex zone inside the home. With that complexity comes a greater likelihood that things will go wrong occasionally.
One area where problems often happen in a kitchen is with the plumbing. In order to function as it is designed to, kitchens must be able to supply and remove water efficiently. If this ability is impaired, most activities in this part of the home will be affected or even cease. Additionally, if your home is a rental, plumbing problems might deem it uninhabitable. This is why you should be aware of the high probability of plumbing problems in your kitchen.
7 common kitchen plumbing problems and what to do about them
Clogged sink drain
This is the problem most likely to happen in your kitchen. That’s because of all the food waste and grease that goes into the sink drain. If grease is allowed into the sink drain, it can build up and narrow the pipe, to the point where the flow of water is obstructed. Soap scum and debris will also encourage this process.
The simplest way to get rid of a clogged sink drain is with a plunger. But sometimes, this only offers temporary relief. If the problem keeps coming back, you may need to get a professional plumber to scour the drain.
Leaky faucet
This problem is not only annoying but it can cost you a lot of money. The constant dripping of a leaky faucet will jack up your water bill. The steps to solving this problem depend on where the leak is coming from.
If the leak is coming from the spout, the likely cause is a worn O-ring. This can easily be fixed by disassembling the faucet and replacing the O-ring. If the leak is at the base of the faucet, it is a more serious problem for which you need the help of a professional plumber.
Leak under the sink
This is one of the sneakier kitchen plumbing problems. A leak may be happening under the kitchen sink without your being aware of it for a long time. The usual sign of a leak beneath the kitchen sink is the cabinet underneath the sink is soaked or the kitchen floor is flooded.
This problem can be caused by a broken seal, leaking drainpipe, clogged P-trap, or broken garbage disposal. Since there are many possible causes of this problem, the best way to handle a leak under the kitchen sink is to call a professional plumber.
Low water pressure at the sink
A weak stream of water from your kitchen faucet is often caused by a clogged faucet aerator. The aerator is a small device with a metal screen at the end of the faucet. It is screwed to the tip of the faucet and helps improve its operation. It creates a consistent and splash-free stream of water.
The aerator can become clogged with debris from the water. To solve the problem, unscrew the device and clean it. If the problem persists, the water coming to your home from the municipality may be hard water. If this is the case, you will need to install a whole-house water softener.
Loose or broken garbage disposal
A garbage disposal unit that is poorly installed and comes loose will leak. Such leaks will usually happen around the edges of the disposal unit. A loose garbage disposal unit can also damage the sink and cause under the sink leaks.
Another issue you may face with a garbage disposal unit is if the device is cracked. This will result in the disposal unit leaking. If your garbage disposal unit is cracked or leaking, do not try to fix it yourself, instead get a professional plumber to look at the device.
Dishwasher leaks
Common causes of dishwasher leaks are a broken float switch, damaged spray arms, leaking door gaskets, and leaks around the drain hose connector. The float switch shuts off the water supply once the tub is filled. If it is broken, the tub will overflow. The dishwasher will also leak if it was not properly installed. You can easily fix a broken float switch or damaged spray arms with a screwdriver. But for more complex dishwasher issues, you need a professional plumber.
Fridge water line malfunction
This happens when the water supply line that carries water to the water dispenser and ice maker becomes clogged or the springs leaks. The problem is easily solved by replacing or unclogging the line. When you do this, make sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended repair company, to avoid voiding your warranty.