Kitchen Plumbing 101
Where would we be without the various plumbing elements in our kitchen? We have the sink faucet, which may have multiple features, a drain pipe, a garbage disposal, a dishwasher with its own drainage system, plus whole-home features that impact our kitchen.
So other than the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the major plumbing hubs of your home. We’re breaking down the various plumbing components in your kitchen so you can use them in the most efficient and convenient way possible.
Sinks and Faucets
Your sink is probably the most used area of your kitchen. Whether you’re washing your hands, washing dishes, filling up a pot, or dumping pasta water, your sink provides a gateway from your cleaning and cooking activity to your drainage system.
Ensure your sink is fitted correctly and there are no leaks. A leak around your sink can cause mold, which is the last thing you want near a cooking space. If your faucet leaks, try taking it apart carefully and inspecting the connections. You may need to replace the o-ring gaskets. Check underneath the sink for any signs of water damage, and fix the seal around your fixtures or sink body if needed.
Garbage Disposals
If you have a garbage disposal, you may be under the misconception that it can take any food trash that you send down the drain. This is not the truth, and getting out of this habit can help protect your drains from clogs and your disposal from damage.
Only put soft or liquid-based foods into your disposal. Stay away from bones, shells, oils and grease, and pasta.
Drains
If you don’t have a garbage disposal, you need to be even more careful about what goes down your drain. Keep out solid foods, paper products, oil, coffee grinds, and eggshells. These are some of the most common drain-clogging culprits.
You also need to be careful about what you put down your drain that may corrode your pipes. Resist the temptation to dump that used frying oil down the drain, especially if it’s still hot.
You should also stay away from chemical drain cleaners. When you do experience a clog, you may look for the easiest way to clear it and move on with your day. Don’t reach for the commercial drain cleaners you may find in stores, which are loaded with chemicals that will directly impact how quickly your pipes corrode. Instead, opt for a home remedy like baking soda and vinegar. You can also try using a drain snake to dislodge the clog. If none of these work, contact your local plumber for an effective solution.
Dishwashers
Your dishwasher is an incredible tool that helps to both take some work off of your plate and cut down on your home’s water consumption. Use your dishwasher to replace hand washing as much as possible, as your dishwasher doesn’t need nearly as much water to clean your dishes.
Another misconception is that you need to basically wash your dishes, or at least rinse them, before placing them in the dishwasher. This is not necessary and takes away the water-saving benefits of using the machine. Small bits of food are fine to put in the dishwasher, as they will be washed off and pushed through a filter. Clean out that filter often to keep your dishwasher running smoothly. If you have large amounts of food left, wipe your plate into the trash can before placing it in the dishwasher.
Your Resource for All Kitchen Plumbing Problems
The experts at Integrated Plumbing Solutions are highly experienced in all aspects of kitchen plumbing. Contact our team today at (678) 627-1067 to learn more about how we can help you.
