By far the most common plumbing problem in most homes is a leaky pipe. While this is generally easy to fix, not all kitchen fixture problems are this simple. Some, such as foul odors, can be very distinctly unpleasant for a household while others, such as clogged sinks, might be annoying but have quick fixes. Use the following tips to help identify the cause of any issues with undermount kitchen sinks or other fixtures.
Most plumbing systems use a series of traps to keep wastes flowing in the direction that they should be and not where clean water is supposed to flow. A foul odor coming from a kitchen sink could signal that one of the traps has broken or is leaking, which can be a major problem.
Water obtained from the kitchen sink is usually used in cooking, and if wasteful odors are slipping up into the kitchen, it’s possible the wastes themselves are slipping into the water. A plumber should be contacted immediately and the water in the house should not be consumed until it can be deemed safe.
Clogged sinks are another common kitchen plumbing problem, but this one has a very simple fix. Usually a clogged sink will manifest itself in slow water drainage or water sitting stagnant within the sink instead of draining.
All sorts of things, including bits of food, get washed down a kitchen sink, so it is natural that this debris can build up in the pipes and create blockages. Using a plunger will usually provide a quick fix, but a better one is to purchase a drain cleaning foam or liquid of some sort which will be strong enough to break down the build ups in the pipes.
If not even this works, consider the age of a kitchen’s pipes and the fact that the blockage could be caused by rust, and use a product which will cleanse the pipes of rust as well as other debris.
photo credit: NancyHugoCKD.com