Helpful Maintenance Plumbing Tips for Kitchen

Avoid Plumbing Problems in Your Kitchen

At Trinity Plumbing, we believe in the importance of proactively preventing plumbing problems to keep your plumbing functioning smoothly. To aid in this effort, Robert (owner & Master Plumber) would like to share some practical plumbing tips for common issues that you may encounter with the plumbing in your kitchen.

The kitchen is a hub for many plumbing issues, as the sink faucets, drains, garbage disposals, and dishwashers are all connected to your home’s plumbing system. Over time, these fixtures may require maintenance, repair, or replacement. By following these preventative measures, you can extend the life of your kitchen plumbing and minimize the risk of plumbing problems for:

sink drains
garbage disposal
dishwasher
faucets

To avoid common plumbing problems in your kitchen and keep things running smoothly, Trinity Plumbing suggests these simple tips:

Sink Drain

By following these tips, you can help keep your kitchen drain flowing smoothly.

Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain: Grease and oil can solidify in pipes and cause clogs, so it’s important to dispose of these materials in the trash rather than the drain.
Run hot water regularly: Running hot water down the drain regularly can help flush out any buildup in the pipes and prevent clogs from forming.
Minimize debris going down drain: Scrape all food off the plate into the trash before rinsing plate, to avoid debris from clogging pipes.
Use a strainer: Installing a strainer over your kitchen drain can help prevent food scraps and other debris from entering the pipes and causing clogs. During service for drain repair, we are often asked by homeowners Do I need a sink strainer?.
Use a plunger: If you notice that water is draining slowly, try using a plunger to remove any clogs. If the clog persists, it may be time to call a plumber for assistance.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals like drain cleaners can damage pipes and cause long-term problems, so it’s best to avoid using these products and opt for more natural solutions instead.

Garbage Disposal

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips for the garbage disposal:

Use cold water: Always run cold water for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal to help flush out any debris and prevent clogs.
Avoid certain food waste: Do not put dense, stringy or fibrous material down your disposal, such as poultry skins, fruit and vegetable peels, bones, etc. Learn more about What You Can Throw in the Garbage Disposal
No grease or oil: Never pour grease or oil down the disposal, as they can cause clogs and damage the blades.
Regular cleaning: Use a combination of hot water and dish soap to clean the inside of the disposal regularly. You can also use a mild cleaning solution like vinegar and baking soda to help remove any odors and buildup.

If you encounter any issues with your garbage disposal, it is best to call a professional plumber for help. The most common problem we get asked is Why is my garbage disposal making weird noises? Trinity Plumbing can diagnose, fix, repair, or replace your garbage disposal. Learn more about When Is It Time to Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Dishwasher

By following these tips, you can maintain the longevity of your dishwasher and help avoid potential plumbing problems.

Clean the filter: Regularly remove and clean the dishwasher’s filter to prevent food particles and grease buildup, which can lead to clogging and unpleasant odors.
Run hot water: Before starting the dishwasher, run hot water from the kitchen sink for a few seconds to clear any cold water from the pipes and ensure the dishwasher starts with hot water.
Check for leaks: Regularly inspect the dishwasher for any signs of leaks, such as water spots on the floor or under the dishwasher.
Avoid overloading: Overloading the dishwasher can cause water to leak from the door or detergent to not be dispensed properly. Avoid overloading and place larger items in the bottom rack.
Use the right detergent: Use only the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent to prevent buildup and residue in the dishwasher and plumbing.

Faucets

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips for kitchen faucets:

Check the aerator: The aerator is the small component located at the end of the spout. Over time, it can become clogged with debris and minerals, which can reduce the water pressure. Clean the aerator by unscrewing it from the spout and rinsing it under running water.
Replace worn-out washers: If you notice that your faucet is leaking, it might be a sign that the washer is worn out. Replace the washer by turning off the water supply, disassembling the faucet and replacing the washer.
Clean the faucet regularly: Dirt and grime can accumulate on the faucet, especially around the handle and spout. Regular cleaning with soap and water or a vinegar solution can keep your faucet looking like new. If you are thinking about upgrading your kitchen faucet to a touchless one, there are 4 Things to Consider When Selecting a Touchless Faucet.
Check for leaks: Regularly inspect the faucet for any signs of leaks. A small leak can waste a lot of water over time and cause damage to your sink or countertop.

If you encounter any issues with your kitchen faucets that you’re unable to fix, call Trinity Plumbing.

By implementing these simple plumbing maintenance tips, you can help ensure your kitchen is functioning properly and avoid potential plumbing problems. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive and address small issues before they become big problems. If you need assistance with your kitchen’s plumbing, drain cleaning, or garbage disposal, don’t hesitate to contact Trinity Plumbing.