There’s a lot to consider with plumbing in the kitchen. And because of the relative intricacy of appliances and their plumbing systems, the kitchen is a place where things can go wrong.
Plumbing in the Kitchen: What Can Go Wrong?
Your kitchen’s plumbing is a system of water supply, drainage lines, and pipes. Several things can go wrong with your plumbing in the kitchen. Plumbing problems don’t always choose convenient times, so be sure to put your plumbing company’s 24/7 emergency service number on your cellphone.
Here are common kitchen plumbing problems:
Dishwasher
If you don’t understand how your dishwasher works, you may not understand the correct way to load it. Re-check your dishwasher’s manual for proper loading procedures. If your dishwasher is noisy, make sure it’s sitting level and no loose cutlery or small plastic dishes are at the bottom.
If it’s noisy during the filling cycle or backflows into your sink, that’s possibly an inlet valve problem. Call your Phoenix plumbing professional to schedule a repair.
If you’re lucky, a dishwasher leak will be visible. Unseen leaks can do wall and floor damage for months before discovery. A broken pump seal could be the fix, but you’ll need your plumbing company to have a look.
Faucet
Leaky faucets or low water pressure can occur for many reasons. Worn or broken seals, washers, or o-rings are typical faucet issues. If you know how to disassemble (and re-assemble) your faucet, this can be a DIY (do-it-yourself) fix.
Sometimes when your water flow is blocked or has limited flow it’s even simpler: On the end of the spigot is an aerator, and its job is to mix air into the water. The aerator can become clogged with minerals from the water. Use a toothbrush to clean it or you may even be able to carefully remove it for cleaning.
Garbage disposal
Most garbage disposals have issues because someone put something down they shouldn’t. Here’s what not to put down your garbage disposal:
BonesCelery
Corn husks
Eggshells
Glass
Grease
Metal
Oil
Potato peels (too many at one time)
Rice, pasta
Seeds and pits
…And never put your hand inside the garbage disposal. Use tongs to fish around inside. If your garbage disposal backs up into your dishwasher or vice versa, that’s a plumbing problem. Contact your plumber for more information.
No hot water
If you’ve added new kitchen appliances, your water heater may be unable to keep up with them. Let your plumber examine your water heater. If your water heater is sized right for your home, you might have a broken control valve or dip tube.
Refrigerator
A leaky refrigerator can be caused by a blocked defrost drain. A sheet of ice forming on your freezer floor or water dripping from your freezer into your fridge are also symptoms of a clogged defrost drain.
If water overflows from your icemaker into your freezer, it could be a problem with the water inlet valve or water pressure (pressure should be at least 20 psi). Water pressure or a bad water inlet valve could also be the reason a built-in water dispenser quits working.
Sink
A clogged sink is not uncommon, but before you pollute the environment with toxic chemicals (which often add-to, not repair the clog), try a safer fix:
A wet/dry vacuum can blow the clog through and clear your pipes. However, it can also push the clog further into the pipe or blow water and food debris all over the kitchen. Proceed with caution.
Dish detergent can help with kitchen sink clogs. Pour about ¼ cup down the drain and let it sit overnight.
Get a drain weasel. They can remove solids clogging your drain.
A natural drain cleaner is a safe solution. Mix 1/8-cup baking soda with 1/8-cup salt and pour down the drain. Microwave 1 cup of white vinegar until slightly bubbly and add to your salt and soda mixture in the drain. Let it foam for a while, then flush with a pan of near-boiling water.
The P-trap is a curved pipe under your sink; it’s a favorite site for soap scum and grease build-up. To check it, put a bucket underneath and gently remove the trap.
Use a plunger to see if you can unclog the clog.
Professionals for Plumbing in the Kitchen
Before attempting any DIY fixes, be sure to turn the water off at its source. And if you have broken water pipes anywhere in your home or office, this is not a DIY repair.
Contact Forrest Anderson Plumbing & Air Conditioning of Phoenix before issues with plumbing in the kitchen lead to expensive repairs. Our plumbing pros are trained in the latest kitchen appliance technology and we care about delivering the best service at the most affordable prices.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!