Home / Kitchen Sink Repair: Common Issues and Fixes
The kitchen sink is the area that is most frequently used in a house, with everything from cooking to cleaning being done through the sink. When the sink is not functioning properly, it will make the lifestyle difficult, and it can also result in water damage if the problem is not addressed for a long time. Fortunately, the majority of the common issues, like kitchen faucet repair or leaky faucet repair, can be done easily with professional help. Identifying the problems and solving them will not only save you time but also money.
One of the most common kitchen sink problems is a leaky faucet. Small drips may seem insignificant, but they waste a considerable amount of water over time and raise your utility bills. Normally, the cause is the breakdown of the washers that are in use, parts that got loose, or cartridges that are damaged.
Turn off the water supply first. The method for checking the cartridge or washer inside is to take off the faucet handle. The issue will be fixed in most cases once the broken part is replaced. But if you are unable to do this faucet repair work alone and still want to achieve the result, it is better to hire a professional for leaky faucet repair.
Read More: How to Spot Hidden Plumbing Leaks Before They Become a Problem
It is quite annoying to have water coming out of the faucet at a low flow rate. Most of the time, the reason for that is the formation of minerals inside the aerator. These deposits of hard water can obstruct the tiny holes and lower the pressure.
First, remove the aerator from the tip of the faucet and clean it with vinegar or a brush. In case the buildup is so extreme, getting a new one will be a low-cost and quick solution. If the trouble persists, the cause might be the pipes, and a kitchen faucet repair will be needed to fix it.
Kitchen sinks get clogged with food particles, grease, and soap scum, which are the main causes of clogged kitchen drains. Such a situation is characterized by slow draining or even water that is left standing in the sink.
You can try a plunger first to remove the clog. In case of grease or small blockages, you may loosen the clog by pouring hot water mixed with dish soap into the drain. If the clog is still strong, a drain snake or a combination of baking soda and vinegar can work well.
Read More: Why Regular Drain Cleaning is Important
Another frequent household problem is water collecting beneath the sink. The cause of this is generally loosened pipe joints, deteriorated gaskets, or even small cracks in the drainpipe.
First, dry the area and then run water to locate the leak. In case the leak is due to a loose nut, simply tighten it, and for an old washer or gasket, change it. Broken pipes should be replaced as it is the safest way. If you are still not able to find the leak, a kitchen faucet repair expert must be brought in to do a detailed inspection.
A garbage disposal unit is a common feature in many contemporary kitchens. Eventually, the appliance may be stopped due to the accumulation of food or the entrance of foreign objects into the device.
It is mandatory to turn off the power supply to the unit before any checking. With a hex key, you can manually turn the waste and get rid of jams. Usually, the reset of the device can bring back the function. However, in case the malfunction persists, a professional repair or replacement might be necessary.
A faucet that is noisy and loud when you turn it on may be giving a warning that there is a problem. Air trapped in the pipes or some worn parts inside the faucet could be the cause of it.
Running water through various taps in the house and bleeding the pipes can unclog air that is trapped in the pipes. If the noise is still there, it might mean that the kitchen faucet needs to be fixed or that the internal parts have to be changed.
Rust spots or stains are just ugly and will gradually eat the metal parts of the sink and faucet.
For small stains, a baking soda paste or a mild cleaner may be used to scrub the area. When rust has taken over the faucet body, the part has to be replaced. A maintenance schedule will stop the decay in the future.
To a certain extent, some basic tools might be used to mend some sink issues in the kitchen, but there are others that require the intervention of an expert. In the event you detect persistent leaks, recurring blockages, or that there are parts of the sink that you cannot replace, it would be the most efficient way of solving the problem by giving a call to a plumber. Licensed plumbers engage in leaky faucet repair as well as big repairs of the sink in a short time, and thus, you are saved from the possibilities of getting both long-term damage and expenses.
Living without the kitchen sink, the most important part of daily life, is practically impossible; thus, even minor problems should not be overlooked. It is quite possible that many issues could be solved by a short intervention, starting from a leaky faucet repair or a clogged drain clearance. The regular use, cleaning, and timely repair not only keep the sink in good condition but also contribute to the improvement of the whole plumbing system. If you are uncertain, it is always a good idea to ask for help from a professional who can effectively carry out the kitchen faucet repair so that your home is safe and functional.
