Modern conveniences are supposed to make life easier, and they usually do. Things like indoor plumbing and electricity are what make us comfortable. There are times, however, that these systems don’t make us feel “at home” at all. Even the smallest plumbing problems can feel major. Here are some of the most common issues that we see with kitchen pipes and fixtures:
You Have Noticed That the Water Pressure at Your Kitchen Sink Is Low
There are a few different issues that can cause the water pressure at your kitchen sink to be low. Oftentimes, you’ll hear that your faucet’s aerator is clogged, and in some cases, this is true. Other times, however, the problem could be much worse.
Corroded pipes can cause low pressure, and correcting the problem involves replacing the pipe entirely. Once it has become bad enough to affect the flow of water into your home’s fixtures, it’s safe to say that you won’t really have any other options for recourse.
Another common cause for low pressure is fractured pipes. In this case, all of the pressure that is used to push water into your home is pushing the water into the ground outside, instead.
Don’t simply assume that the cause of your low pressure lies within the faucet itself. It’s best to speak with a professional to ensure that this is not merely a symptom of something much worse.
Your Faucet Is Dripping Constantly
For most homeowners, the constant tap, tap, tap of a leaky faucet is enough to push them over the edge. You’d be surprised, however, by the number of homeowners who are able to simply ignore it. If this is you, stop ignoring those tiny taps. Every drop counts, and when you look at the amount of water that is wasted over the course of a year, the gallons and dollars really add up.
In most cases, leaky faucets are due to something minor, such as a washer that needs to be replaced. If you are somewhat handy, you may be able to do this by following one of several online tutorials that are available. Just make sure to turn off the water supply before you begin working, or you’ll have an even bigger problem on your hands. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with the task, we can certainly empathize. Our team is happy to help, even with the smallest tasks, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Water Drains Very Slowly, and It Seems to Be Getting Slower Every Week
If you try to do a google search about a clogged kitchen sink, you will find yourself with some pretty shocking suggestions and tutorials. Some of them will suggest that you purchase a “snake” and try to unclog the drain yourself. We have even seen some that suggest going into your basement to access your clean-out or climbing on top of your home to reach pipes through an air vent in the roof.
Trust us when we tell you that none of these suggestions are wise, and some are downright dangerous. Even if you are successful in your endeavors, you may regret what you find. The substances that clog drains are pipes are not pretty, and if you’re terribly unlucky, you may find that your “clog” is actually something else entirely. Depending on the age and structure of your home, you could be faced with severe corrosion, disjointed pipes, tree roots, and more.
Other common issues involve the plumbing for appliances such as your dishwasher or garbage disposal, both of which are best left to professionals. As a general rule, if you’re not absolutely sure that you can handle the task at hand, give us a call at 630-672-5057 to speak with one of our licensed, experienced plumbers. It’s always best to ask for advice when it comes to keeping your home in the best possible shape.
