One of the most common places for plumbing problems is in the kitchen. While bathrooms are also a common source of plumbing issues, kitchens have their own unique problems. Most kitchens have a sink, dishwasher and even refrigerators which all need a water supply and drain, each of which can cause problems if not maintained correctly. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can reduce the chance of plumbing problems in your kitchen.
- Prevent clogged drains. Food waste is often the culprit of a clogged drain. Oil and grease are one of the main offenders; pour out oil and grease from pans and then wipe them with a paper towel before rinsing in the sink or putting in the dishwasher. Keep fibrous items like produce peels out of the garbage disposal, and avoid other hard items such as coffee grounds and egg shells. For dishwasher drains, make sure all food is scraped off into the garbage then dishes are rinsed before putting them into the dishwasher.
- Help your garbage disposal. Run water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after you use the garbage disposal. To keep away bad odors, pour a small amount of dish soap in while running the disposal. Never reach your hand into a garbage disposal; call a plumber if there is a problem!
- Clean your ice maker. Your ice maker water dispenser and drain can get clogged with mildew and mold, which is unhealthy for your family and damaging to the refrigerator. Follow your refrigerator’s scheduled maintenance recommendations for cleaning.
- Watch for sink leaks. Your kitchen sink has many connections which can become worn and need of replacement. At the first sign of leaks on your faucets, aerator or pipes, make sure to call your plumber to have them repaired before water damage occurs.
Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing
