Oh no! Something’s wrong with the kitchen sink! Should you call a plumber right away? Well, maybe. But there might be something you can try yourself first. We’ll go over the common plumbing problems that plague kitchen sinks, give tips for resolving some yourself, and point out when plumbers are necessary.
Sink Stink
Is there an unpleasant odor wafting up from your kitchen sink drain? Chances are, it’s bacteria growing in some food waste buildup down there. Try this: pour a good amount of baking soda into the sink drain (half a cup or more) and follow that with at least as much vinegar. Leave it alone to bubble for ten minutes, and then wash it down with water.
Problem solved? Great! If not, or if you have bad smells drifting up from multiple drains in your house, there could be something wrong with your sewer vent. Since sewer gasses venting into your home is a major health hazard, you need a professional to address it.
Clogs
With a small sink plunger, you can hopefully dislodge many a clog and save yourself the bother of getting professional help. A disposable plastic drain snake or hand-cranked metal drain auger would be another option to try. If that fails, or if clogs are happening in multiple drains in your home, you need professional help with your kitchen plumbing in Billerica, MA.
Low Pressure
The first thing to check when your kitchen sink’s pressure drops is the aerator. Unscrew the end of your faucet to check for silt or mineral buildup which can happen if you have hard water. Wash it out, screw it back on, and see if your problem is solved.
If not, consult a plumber to resolve your low water pressure issue because it’s possible there is a leak somewhere that is preventing enough water from getting to your faucet. You can also consult a plumber about your hard water and perhaps consider getting a water-softening system installed.
Leaks
Is your faucet dripping? That water can add up surprisingly, giving your water bill quite a hike, so don’t ignore it. And if that leak is coming from the base of the faucet and not the end, the problem is likely more serious, so address it immediately.
Garbage Disposal Issues
Is the drain line clogged? This can happen when not enough water is washed down with food waste, and your plunger probably won’t help. Or perhaps you’re concerned that the disposal is loose, rattling when it’s used, or even making the counter shake. Or maybe the disposal has stopped working altogether. Don’t reach down there with your hand! Call a plumber.
We hope this has helped you to have a better idea of how you can solve your own kitchen sink issues and when it’s actually time for professional plumbing assistance. And remember, when in doubt, it’s better to call a plumber than find yourself coping with water damage or other consequences, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. with all your plumbing concerns.
