5 Common Kitchen Sink Problems

5 Common Kitchen Sink Problems and How to Fix Them

Your kitchen sink is one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, and when something goes wrong, it can disrupt your entire routine. Here are five common kitchen sink problems, tips for preventing them, and guidance on whether you can tackle the fix yourself or need a professional.


1. Clogged Kitchen Sink or Slow Draining Sink


Symptoms: Water draining slowly, gurgling sink drain, or a kitchen sink backed up.
Causes: Food scraps, grease clogs (FOG blockages), and soap scum buildup.
Prevention:

  • Avoid pouring fat, oil, and grease down the drain.
  • Use a sink strainer to catch food particles.

DIY Fix:

  • Try DIY drain unclogging with a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
  • Clean the P-Trap by removing it and clearing debris.

Call a Pro When:

  • The clog persists after basic attempts.
  • You notice signs of a major kitchen sink clog or multiple drains backing up, which could indicate a deeper plumbing issue.


2. Leaky Kitchen Faucet


Symptoms: Dripping faucet, water pooling around the base, or worn-out O-ring.
Causes: Worn gaskets, mineral buildup, or loose connections.
Prevention:

  • Regularly clean the aerator to prevent limescale buildup.
  • Inspect seals and gaskets periodically.

DIY Fix:

  • Replace a worn O-ring or gasket.
  • Perform a dripping faucet fix by tightening loose parts.

Call a Pro When:

  • The leak persists after replacing parts.
  • There’s corrosion or damage to the faucet body.


3. Garbage Disposal Not Working


Symptoms: Disposal humming but not spinning, jammed blades, or strange noises.
Causes: Foreign objects, motor issues, or worn components.
Prevention:

  • Avoid fibrous foods, bones, and non-food items.
  • Run cold water while using the disposal.

DIY Fix:

  • Press the garbage disposal reset button.
  • Use an Allen wrench to free jammed blades.

Call a Pro When:

  • The disposal leaks from the bottom.
  • Electrical or motor failure occurs.


4. Kitchen Sink Leaking Underneath


Symptoms: Water leaking under the kitchen sink, cabinet water damage, or foul odor from sink.
Causes: Loose pipe connections, corroded pipes, or worn seals.
Prevention:

  • Check connections regularly.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes.

DIY Fix:

  • Tighten loose connections.
  • Replace worn washers or seals.

Call a Pro When:

  • There’s significant cabinet water damage.
  • Pipe leak repair requires cutting or replacing corroded pipes.


5. Low Water Pressure in Kitchen


Symptoms: No water pressure in kitchen sink or weak flow.
Causes: Clogged aerator, faucet mineral buildup, or plumbing leaks.
Prevention:

  • Clean aerators regularly.
  • Install a water softener if you have hard water.

DIY Fix:

  • Remove and clean the aerator.
  • Check for visible leaks under the sink.

Call a Pro When:

  • Pressure issues persist after cleaning.
  • There’s evidence of hidden plumbing leaks.


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