For most homeowners, the kitchen sink is the most used plumbing fixture. You depend on your kitchen plumbing to supply you with clean water and drain wastewater. When the sink does not act right, you will notice it right away, and you would want an experienced plumber to take action immediately. Even if your kitchen is off for some hours, it can still mess up your daily activities.
These issues are not just an inconvenience but also damage your property. If left unresolved, a leaking faucet can waste a lot of water and may even cause expensive water damage to your home.
U.S homes waste approximately one trillion gallons of water yearly due to plumbing leaks. Also, clogs can accumulate over time resulting in a non-flowing sink or foul smells. Some homeowners may feel devastated when they have a problem with the plumbing system because they may not know what to do and may even hesitate to contact a plumbing company.
Understanding some common sink problems can help you avoid such inconveniences. The following are some common plumbing concerns you might encounter in your kitchen.
Low Water Pressure
You may notice that the flow of water in your kitchen faucet is not as strong as before. A drop in water pressure could mean you have a clogged aerator, and you may need to hire a plumber to clean it.
If your home gets a supply of hard water, mineral deposits build up in the aerator over time and may result in a weak water flow or no water at all. A clogged aerator is easy to diagnose. You can remove the aerator and clean it with a brush. If the issue persists and happens in multiple fixtures, you may have a problem with the main water line.
The worst scenario is if your pipes are leaking. In this case, calling a licensed plumbing company in Vancouver, WA, would be the best choice. A professional can find the possible cause and fix it. You can also ask a plumbing professional to install a water softener if the problem is with the hard water.
Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet may be an issue of less concern unless you sleep next to your kitchen and that constant dripping noise keeps you awake the whole night. The noise can be annoying, and a leaking faucet can waste a lot of water.
A tap that drips once per second can waste at least 3,000 gallons annually. If that’s you, it means you waste enough water to take over 180 showers. So, if you want to increase your home’s water efficiency, then you should address the problem immediately.
Before you reach out to a plumber, ensure you tighten your faucet, but if it doesn’t resolve the issue, then you may need a professional to help you. At times, a dripping faucet may be because of a worn-out O-ring seal, loose aerator, or corroded valves. Whatever the reason, you would need a plumbing professional to repair or replace worn-out plumbing fixtures right away.
Clogged Kitchen Sink
It’s a number one plumbing problem in most homes in Vancouver, WA. Your kitchen is the most used room for cooking and keeping food, and you would want to keep it clean always. It’s the kitchen sink that develops clogs, resulting in slow drains or no drainage at all.
Common food substances that clog your sink include grease, oil, eggshells, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetables. These materials build up over time and eventually block water flow or may even result in leaks. Backed-up kitchen sinks are annoying and may cause foul smells and mold growth if ignored.
Using a plunger may not offer a solution. The best you can do is find a plumber to clean the drains and eliminate all substances clogging your sink. Have a separate trash can to dispose of such foods instead of dumping them down the sink.
Jammed Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal is a convenient plumbing appliance that allows you to break down leftovers into small particles that can drain easily. Despite the name, a garbage disposal cannot handle all food waste. A disposer may jam when some materials such as bones or fruit pits get stuck between the blades.
If food waste is clogging your system, do not use a drain cleaning chemical because that can corrode the plastic components of the garbage disposal. Also, do not remove clogs using your hands. You will need to consult a certified plumber about the matter.
Also, when you spot leaks around the garbage disposal, it indicates a broken system. Contact a plumber right away to repair or diagnose your jammed garbage disposal. It’s advisable to run cold water a few seconds before using and after using the garbage disposer.
Leaking Dishwasher
Standing water at the base of your dishwasher is never good. The possible causes of a leaking dishwasher could be a broken float switch, loose valves, or damaged spray arms. A damaged float switch allows water to overfill the dishwasher, forcing it to flow onto the floor.
A leaky door can also cause the water to accumulate around the unit. If you are experiencing leaks, dry out the area as you contact your local plumber. A professional can figure out what’s causing the issue and repair or replace some parts if necessary.
No Hot Water
When the kitchen sink is not running hot water, it indicates a blockage or a faulty water heater. Water heater issues are the common cause of the lack of hot water in your home. As the water heating unit ages, it degrades.
You should check for rust and corrosion inside and outside the water heater. Corroded water heating elements might be the reason you are not getting hot water. Mineral deposits inside the water pipes may also prevent hot water from reaching your kitchen faucets.
Pilot Plumbing & Drain: Your Reliable Plumber in Vancouver, WA
Plumbing issues can happen at any time, causing costly damages if left unresolved. If you experience any of the above kitchen sink problems, don’t hesitate to call a certified plumber.
For your plumbing repairs or replacements, ensure to work with experts from Pilot Plumbing & Drain. With over 15 years in business, you can be confident that you are getting quality work when you hire our team. Our trusted professionals also offer emergency plumbing issues, any time, any day. We can’t wait to address your plumbing needs. Give us a call today!
