The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in your home. Therefore, plumbing issues in the kitchen can be a significant cause of concern. If a leak or blockage is not repaired on time, it can escalate into more serious problems. These problems can result in water loss or worse if they remain unchecked.
Unfortunately, a kitchen’s water system is very prone to blockage. Proper plumbing is supposed to provide the kitchen with fresh, clean water. This is then used for cleaning and cooking, both of which directly affect the health and safety of your household. Plumbing also carries the wastewater away. The following are seven common kitchen plumbing problems that you are likely to encounter as a homeowner.
1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure from the faucets is a common kitchen plumbing concern. This problem usually occurs when the aerators are clogged. Aerators are small circular parts that are fixed at the end of faucets. Aerator clogging is usually caused by mineral deposits from running water. They are generally deposited at the base of the aerator.
It is easy to fix aerator clogging. You only need to unscrew the piece from the faucet and clean it with a brush or a wire. If this piece is faulty, then you will need to check the pipes leading to the faucet. You should also inspect the overall home water pressure. Check the shower pressure and whether or not the toilet tank takes longer than usual to fill. If the toilet tank is taking longer to fill, then you should consider checking the main house pipes.
The first place to check should be the water meter. First, check if the house meter is turned on. If the meter is not the issue, check the main shutoff valve, which is located on the main pipe. Check if it is turned in the correct direction. You should also consider checking the pressure regulator. If the regulator is failing, it can cause a spike in water pressure.
2. Leaking Faucets
Leaking faucets can reduce your kitchen’s water efficiency. This problem is mostly caused by a worn-out washer. It becomes worn down due to friction from water that is being forced through the valve seats. Sink leaks that are caused by worn-out washers can be fixed by replacing the washers.
Leaking faucets can also be caused by corrosion of the valve seats. The valve seats connect the sprout and faucets located in the compression unit. The corrosion at the valve seat is caused by the accumulation of water. The valve seat should be cleaned regularly to prevent corrosion.
Leaking faucets can cause massive water loss. Unfortunately, you must address and remedy a leak immediately once you notice the leakage to avoid further damage. For instance, if you notice that the faucet is leaking at the base, you should consider replacing the ring seal.
3. Clogged Sink
The kitchen is the most common place that homeowners experience a clogged sink. The clogging is usually a result of a buildup of materials in the kitchen pipes. Kitchen pipes are often P shaped so that they can pull water through gravity.
Over time, soap scum and grease can accumulate in the kitchen sink. Grease clogs are the most common clogs that occur in the kitchen. Make sure to pour excess grease into the trash. If you suspect that you have a clogged sink, contact a professional rather than attempt to flush chemicals down the sink, as doing so will likely only fix the problem temporarily.
4. Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals contain waste products which are sometimes hard objects such as bones. The existence of these objects can cause your sink to be backed up. If you experience this problem, first trying using a wrench to remove the pipe and check for obstructions.
Be sure that everything is turned off when you are clearing a clogged sink. It is also essential to wear gloves when you are handling the garbage disposal. This will protect your hands from sharp objects or bacteria that may be residing in the disposal or pipes.
5. Dishwasher Leaks and Drain Issues
Dishwasher drain issues can occur due to incorrect installation. An example of improper installation would be installing the dishwasher without a loop. You should check if the loops are properly installed. In addition, if there is a bad connection between the sink drain and dishwasher drain, sewer gases can escape into your home.
The dishwasher can also experience plumbing problems such as faulty valves, or valves that have quickly reached their working span. Improperly functioning valves can result in draining issues. You can consider replacing the valve or fixing it.
6. Refrigerator Leaks
Most refrigerators have an ice maker or a water dispenser. If your refrigerator has these features, then it has a supply line that connects water to them. At times, the line may clog, causing a leakage. This leakage can cause a small pool of water under your refrigerator.
The pool of water can also be caused by condensation dripping on the floor. To fix this problem, you need to check if the refrigerator is on the right setting. If it was recently moved, then this may be the cause of this problem. You may consider adjusting the refrigerator settings to allow the coolant to work well.
You can also consider checking the defrost drain. A blockage on the defrost drain can cause condensation on the coils, which then drips on the surface. The drain pan can also cause leakages under your refrigerator. You can pull out the pan and check if the water is escaping from there.
7. Washing Machine
Some laundry rooms are positioned next to the kitchen. If the kitchen and the laundry rooms are separated by a connecting wall, a leak from the washing machine can seep towards the kitchen. If you notice a pool of water in the kitchen, you should first check if the problem is originating from the kitchen. If the problem is in the laundry room, check the pipes in your laundry room.
The washing machine can have leaks in the pipes, loose washers, or burst hoses. These issues should be addressed quickly. Failure to replace these pipes can damage the walls and the floors. Remedying this may require replacing the broken parts of the washing machine.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can arise at any time, and some are minor enough to be easily fixed. However, small plumbing problems can escalate to bigger malfunctions if they’re not addressed. At Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide the services homeowners need in Tucson, AZ. We offer cooling, heating, and plumbing products such as hot water tanks, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Do not let your kitchen plumbing issues frustrate you. If you need a diagnosis or any form of repair to these plumbing issues, please contact us today. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies.
