Your kitchen relies on a network of pipes to bring in fresh water and carry waste away. When these pipes develop issues, it can cause major problems throughout the house.
You can prevent many of these issues by being mindful about what goes down your kitchen drains and by keeping up with regular maintenance.
Clogged Drains
Whether it’s food scraps, cooking grease or soap scum, clogged kitchen drains are often the result of something getting trapped in the pipe. It can also be a sign of an overall blockage in your drain or sewer line that requires professional help.
Before resorting to harsh chemical cleaners, try a simple DIY approach: Bring half a gallon of water to a boil on your stove and pour it directly into the drain. Hot water will melt fat, oil and grease that have solidified in your pipes, and may break up even more stubborn clogs.
It’s also smart to prevent clogs by being conscious of what goes down your drains. Don’t rinse large chunks of food down them, and use a drain strainer to catch food scraps before they go down the drain. It’s a cheap and easy way to avoid costly, time-consuming clogs. Even with these precautions, clogs can still occur. Using the tips above, you can quickly and easily fix them yourself.
Water Leaks
The kitchen is often one of the most active areas in a home, which can lead to frequent plumbing issues. From clogged drains to water leaks, these problems can be a nuisance and even a safety hazard. Taking a few preventive steps can help keep these common kitchen plumbing problems at bay.
Keeping the space under your sink clear can make it easier to spot a leak quickly. Many leaks in the kitchen begin quietly and then get worse over time, causing significant damage to items stored under the sink as well as drywall and flooring.
You can also reduce the risk of a clogged drain by taking simple precautions, such as placing a drain screen cover in your sink and throwing food scraps into the waste bin rather than down the drain. Additionally, never pour cooking grease down the drain as it can cause a clog. Instead, pour it into a plastic container to cool and then dispose of it.
Root Infestation
Gnats (also known as fruit flies, drain flies, and phorid flies) are one of the most common kitchen pests. They’re often found in and around rotting fruits, but they can also breed in drains.
If you want to avoid them, make sure your sink drain is always clean and dry. Also,
seal any gaps where pipes enter the room with foam or caulk to prevent pests from entering.
You can also help prevent gnats by fixing leaky faucets and preventing water accumulation under the sink. Keep in mind that ants are also attracted to water, so it’s important to check for and address any issues that might draw them into your kitchen. The best way to do that is by ensuring your kitchen sink drains are free of food and grease, which can attract them.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common kitchen plumbing problem that causes significant water damage when they burst. This issue can be especially damaging during frigid winter weather. The water inside pipes expands when it freezes, creating tremendous pressure that can rupture even the strongest of pipes. The good news is that frozen pipes are preventable. Insulate all exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like crawl spaces and attics. Keeping your home’s thermostat at a stable temperature throughout the day and night can also help prevent frozen pipes.
If you suspect that a pipe is frozen, shut off the water supply at the main valve. Apply heat to the affected area of the pipe with an electric heating pad wrapped around the frozen section, an electric hair dryer (used with caution), a portable space heater (kept away from flammable objects), or towels soaked in hot water. When applying heat to the frozen area, keep the faucet open so that water can flow through and melt any ice plugs.
Many people don’t realize that blocked drain(s) in Melbourne are a common problem that can cause plumbing issues as well. Flushing things down the toilet that cannot be disposed of, items get stuck in the sink or drains, it all can contribute to plumbing problems.
