The kitchen is the heart of every home, but it’s also where some of the most common plumbing problems begin. From stubborn clogs to a dripping tap, kitchen plumbing issues can disrupt your daily routine and lead to expensive repairs if not addressed properly. At Aquila Property Care, your trusted home improvement and plumbing company in Birmingham, we’ve seen it all. We’ve compiled a list of the most common kitchen plumbing mistakes we encounter and, more importantly, how you can easily avoid them.
Mistake #1: Treating Your Sink Like a Bin
This is, without a doubt, the number one cause of kitchen plumbing issues. Many people mistakenly believe that their kitchen sink can handle anything that gets scraped off a plate. This is simply not true.
- The Culprit: The main offenders are grease, oil, and fat. When these hot liquids are poured down the drain, they cool and solidify, clinging to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup acts like a magnet for other food debris, leading to a major blockage.
- How to Avoid It: Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into a container and throw it in the bin. Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and other particles before they go down the drain.
Mistake #2: Over-relying on Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you have a slow-draining sink, the first instinct might be to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. While they promise a quick fix, these products can do more harm than good.
- The Culprit: The harsh chemicals in these cleaners can be corrosive. They can eat away at your pipes, especially older ones, weakening them and potentially leading to leaks or bursts. They also often don’t fully clear the blockage, just creating a small path for water, which allows the clog to rebuild quickly.
- How to Avoid It: For minor clogs, try a natural solution first. A mixture of half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar can often do the trick. The fizzing action helps to loosen the blockage. For more stubborn clogs, a plunger or a drain snake is a safer option. If the problem persists, it’s a clear sign you need a professional plumber to properly diagnose and clear the blockage without damaging your pipes.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Drips and Leaks
A small, slow drip from a tap or a damp patch under the sink might seem like a minor inconvenience. But these seemingly small issues are often the first sign of a bigger problem.
- The Culprit: A dripping tap can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year and increase your water bill. That small patch of dampness could be a sign of a slow leak that is causing hidden damage to your cabinets and floors, and creating a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
- How to Avoid It: Don’t ignore the drip. Check under your sink regularly for any signs of moisture. For a leaky tap, the problem could be a worn-out washer or a corroded valve, which can be a straightforward fix for a professional. Addressing these issues early on is crucial for preventing more significant and expensive problems later.
Mistake #4: Improper Garbage Disposal Use
Your garbage disposal is a powerful appliance, but it’s not invincible. Improper use can lead to jams, clogs, and costly motor damage.
- The Culprit: Putting hard or fibrous items down the disposal is a common mistake. Things like coffee grounds, eggshells, celery stalks, and fruit pits can clog the system or jam the blades.
- How to Avoid It: Run cold water while using the disposal and for about 30 seconds after to flush the system completely. Only put soft, biodegradable food scraps down the disposal. For tough items, it’s always best to throw them in the bin.
By being mindful of these common kitchen plumbing mistakes, you can significantly extend the life of your plumbing system and avoid unnecessary repairs. For more preventative advice and solutions for any plumbing issues, from a simple drip to a full kitchen refurbishment, our local Birmingham team is ready to help. You can trust Aquila Property Care for all your home improvement and plumbing needs.
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[…] call for professional advice. For more general advice on common plumbing problems, check out this article on Common Kitchen Plumbing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them). Our team in Birmingham is available to handle both emergency call-outs and routine plumbing […]