Get That Leak Fixed Right Away Got a leaky sink? You may think that if it’s just a small leak, there’s no need to worry about it right away, but you should always get a leak repaired as soon as you notice it, no matter how minor it may be. A tiny leak can lead to a big problem later, such as a burst pipe or severe water damage, and having a small leak fixed is much quicker, easier, and cheaper than dealing with a major plumbing emergency. Use Drain Strainers One of the most common kitchen plumbing problems is a badly clogged sink. You can help to prevent nasty kitchen clogs by using a drain strainer in your sink. This way, food bits and other debris that would otherwise wash down the drain will get collected in the strainer and then you can simply empty it out in the trash and replace it. Don’t Pour Oils or Fats Down the Sink Another common cause of clogged kitchen drains is fat or cooking oil being poured down the sink. While pouring fats and oils down the drain may seem like the simplest way to dispose of them, they can actually harm your plumbing. This is because, once cooled, fats and oils solidify so once they make their way down the drain, they cool down and become solids, resulting in blockages and a slow-draining sink. When you are cooking with fats and oils, get in the habit of pouring them into an empty can or jar instead of down the drain. Once the oil cools, simply toss the entire jar or can into the trash. Inspect Your Pipes Check the exposed pipes under your kitchen sink for signs of damage periodically. Signs of damage to look out for include discolouration, rust, and cracking. These can indicate an issue that can easily turn into a plumbing emergency later, so it’s best to address the problem by getting your pipes repaired or replaced at the first sign of damage than to wait for the problem to get worse. Opt for a Plunger Over Liquid Drain Cleaner When clogs do happen, reach for a plunger instead of a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive, which means they don’t just eat away at clogs, they also eat away at your pipes and slowly break them down. It’s much better for your plumbing system to use a plunger. If you have a really tricky clog that just won’t come loose, call in the professionals to clean your drains.
