3 Common Kitchen Sink Problems and How to Fix Them
The kitchen sink is recognized as one of the major spots in any home. It is one of the hard-to-miss elements you will always find in any kitchen. Yet, it also remains a large spot for problems despite its innumerable advantages. If you own a kitchen, you are not new to the routine issues that come up in a sink.
The most common problem is a clogged sink. However, other problems could ensue from the continual use of the kitchen sink. It is also interesting to note that some of these problems can be fixed at home without the help of a plumber. So, beyond clogging, what other problems can affect your kitchen sink?
This article will delve into the common kitchen sink problems you might encounter. It also explains maintenance tips you can follow to prevent the eventuality of some of these problems.
Clogged Sinks
While they are a common problem that you and other homeowners face, clogged sinks are also very preventable with good maintenance practices.
The common activities done at the sink, like washing dishes or vegetables, allows the release of grease, food particles, or soap scum that flows from the sink drain to the pipe. They usually leave behind a trail of elements from the kitchen sink, although they eventually get flushed down the pipe. This trail, when left for too long, can lead to a buildup of congealed oil or large size of food particles stuck together.
It eventually obstructs by closing the opening and leaving little space for liquid passage.
How can this problem be solved?
While persistent blockage demands the attention of a professional, a clogged sink is a problem that can be fixed at home as long as it is minor. Here is how:
You can use a plunger. First, place the plunger over the sink drain so that it creates a sturdy seal around the drain opening.
You need to push it down the drain opening quickly with force a few times. Use an up-and-down motion to ensure you have a good grasp of the clogged seal.
This helps to force water and debris down the drainpipe to remove the clog. After doing it for a while, pull the plunger straight out of the drain opening. This suction creates a vacuum that eventually draws the clog out of the drain.
Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. To do this, you have to pour each substance after each other. A white distilled vinegar should be used. After pouring both substances down the drain, the drain should be covered after emptying a cup of water into it.
At this point, you’ll hear some fizzing noises. However, it is important to wait for some minutes before emptying the drain with a cup of hot water. The hot water helps to wash away the remnants of the solution and the clog.
Faucet Malfunction
Do you hear drops of water coming out of the faucet of your sink after turning it off? That’s an indicator of a leaking faucet. But what is the primary cause of a leaking faucet?
There are quite several factors that lead to the malfunction of a leaking faucet. But one of the most common is tied to the wear and tear of the faucet.
The kitchen faucet is beyond being a metal tap that is attached to your sink. Its functionality involves controlling the entire mechanism behind water flow. It allows you to turn off the flow of water and turn it on. Without it, you’d have water pooling out uncontrollably.
After long-term use, a sink faucet can start to malfunction. This is because of the continual rotation of the faucet.
Another common cause involves loose connections. Due to vibration, the connections where the water supply lines attach to the faucet body and become loose. This allows water to seep through at the base of the faucet.
Fixing a leaking faucet requires a replacement sometimes. Replacing the O-rings or aerators gets it to a good condition. This is effective if there is no internal damage from a drainpipe. You might have to employ the services of a plumber to help you with the replacement.
What happens if the damage is internal? From a leaking pipe?
Leaking Pipe
There are three probable causes of a leaking pipe. Corrosion of metals is one cause. Over time, water and minerals corrode metal pipes. It happens more because they are usually in hardly attainable places. This corrosion or rust weakens the pipe. Another cause involves cracks or holes in the pipes.
How can a drainpipe get cracked? In most cases, cracks in a drainpipe are caused by long-term use, pressure fluctuations, or freezing temperatures. The cracks create an opening for water to leak out, leaving a pool of water at the base.
The downside of this is that the water can cause mold, which can be harmful. Read https://www.niehs.nih.gov/
Like a faulty faucet, a loose connection can lead to a leaking pipe. When the connections between pipes and fittings come loose due to vibration or improper installation, water leaks out.
A leaky pipe allowing water to seep out can put back pressure on faucet valves and seals. This causes premature wear over time.
A leaky pipe is not a quick fix, unlike a clogged sink. However, to come up with a solution, you need first to have a better understanding of the problem. Before inspecting, shut off the water supply to pause the leakage while you inspect.
Look for corrosion, racks, or loose fittings. If it’s a loose fitting, try to tighten the connections. However, it is advisable to replace cracks or holes using the help of a plumber.
How to Prevent Kitchen Sink Problems
A good maintenance culture ensures that your kitchen sink encounters minimal problems. Some of these tips can help you forge a good maintenance culture:
-
Use strainers in the sink to catch food particles. This would particularly help to prevent a clogged sink.
-
Run hot water with baking soda down the drain often. This will help dissolve grease buildup.
-
Avoid pouring oils down the drain, which can solidify and cause clogs.
-
Inspect the sink regularly for signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion on pipes. Click here to discover the types and factors affecting metal corrosion.
-
It is helpful to tighten any loose fittings connecting the faucet to supply lines yearly as a maintenance check.
Wrapping Up
Kitchen sink problems can be prevented. This article explored the probable causes of some common sink problems you might have encountered. From clogged sinks and faulty faucets to leaky pipes, these issues can be prevented with a good maintenance culture.
Alternatively, the frequency of the occurrence can be minimal. As a homeowner, ensure you have proper maintenance and inspection locked in. This will save you spending time and money trying to fix a big issue that could have been prevented.
