Kitchen Plumbing Maintenance Tips For California Homeowners

If you are a homeowner in California you are probably well aware that staying on top of your kitchen plumbing maintenance can save you loads of money when it comes time for repairs and upgrades. Some of the basics of kitchen plumbing include: understanding how a faucet works, handling basic clogs, garbage disposal functions and repairs.

Kitchen Faucet Basics/Tips

Kitchen faucets come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and finishes. However, the first thing you should consider when looking for a new kitchen fixture is the plumbing under the sink. One thing you should look out for is the amount of mounting holes your sink has. Every sink/faucet is different some have 1 mounting hole, others have four. Another thing to take note of is the water shut-off valve. If you live in an older home, the water shut-off valve may not be the correct size for newer fixtures. In these instances the water shut-off valve would have to be replaced as well as the sink.

When it comes to choosing a new kitchen faucet, you should always keep cleaning and maintenance in mind. Chrome is a very popular finish for most faucets for a multitude of reasons. Chrome finishes generally match most kitchen decors and it is easy to keep clean and shiny.

Kitchen Sink Clog Tips

If the kitchen sink is used often enough, chances are you will experience some sort of clog or back-up. No need to worry though, most clogs don’t require professional help. If your kitchen sink is clogged, try pouring some boiling water down the drain. If the clog is causing water to fill in the basin of the sink, try removing as much water as possible before pouring the boiling water. For more stubborn clogs try pouring a half cup of salt down the drain. Then follow with about four cups of boiling water.

If the boiling water didn’t help with the clog, try using a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a long plastic strip with tiny arm like pieces poking out both sides. When you put the snake down the drain it should catch and dislodge whatever is causing the clog.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Cleaning your garbage disposal helps maintain its effectiveness. This doesn’t have to be a daunting task and simply requires some elementary school science. Pour equal parts baking soda and white vinegar down your disposal. Cap the drain and wait for the fizzing to stop. The chemical reaction helps break up any stuck-on grease and food particles so your disposal can run smoothly. After the fizzing stops, run hot water through the disposal and turn it on to flush everything down.

It is also helpful to pay attention to the rubber drain cover at the top of the disposal. Ensuring the disposal is off, scrub the bottom of the rubber flaps with a soapy sponge to avoid any lingering food smells. Running a handful of citrus peels, cut smaller, through the garbage disposal is a great way to freshen up your kitchen sink plumbing.

Garbage Disposal Repair

Garbage disposal repair requires more effort, but basic troubleshooting can be done without knowing how to plumb a kitchen sink.

• Humming: If your garbage disposal is humming, this is a sign that something is stuck and won’t allow the blades to turn. After you ensure the power is disconnected to the disposal. Address the garbage disposal plumbing under the kitchen sink and see if you can dislodge the stuck item.
• Drains Slowly: A slow draining disposal is usually the sign of a clog. Making sure the power is disconnected, check the drain trap for a clog. If you can’t find one there, use your plumber’s snake to clear the drain line that goes into the wall. NEVER put chemical drain cleaner down the garbage disposal. As this can erode the pipes and void your warranty.
• Leaking: Leaking can happen in several locations in your garbage disposal. The most common places are where the disposal connects to the sink, the hose that connects to the dishwasher and the hose that takes the waste from the disposal to the drain system. If the leak is because of a hose, usually you just need to tighten the clamp or bolts that hold the hose in place. If the sink connection is the source of the leak, applying some plumber’s putty can typically fix this kitchen sink plumbing issue.

Under The Sink Plumbing

The plumbing under the kitchen sink doesn’t have to remain a mystery. Understanding the basics of kitchen sink plumbing is an excellent way to feel accomplished and take ownership of your home. You don’t need to know how to plumb a kitchen sink to know how to fix the simple problems. And when your kitchen sink plumbing has more than just a simple problem, you will know when it is time to call RD Hydro Jet Plumbing and Drain Inc.

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