Sinks are some of the most overlooked parts of the house when it comes to maintenance. Many just focus on improving things that bring aesthetic appeal to the property. But when they start to act up, everything changes. Suddenly, it’s hard to finish daily routines like washing your hands or doing the dishes.
Many think that the plumbing system on sinks are complicated when in fact, issues with these fixtures are usually easy to fix. You don’t need to schedule an appointment since you can remedy the problems by yourself. All you need is a little elbow grease and a few tools that you likely already have in your toolbox.
If you’re quite handy around the house, you won’t even break a sweat. If not, there’s no harm in trying. To make things easier for you, here are some of the most common sink issues and the best plumbing solutions:
Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet is more than just a nuisance that keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep. It can also drive up your water bill, which isn’t a good thing if you’re trying to save money and conserve water.
Ideally, when you turn off the tap, the rubber washers should make a seal that will prevent the water from escaping. But over time, these small stoppers can get stiff and dislodge, allowing trickles to come through.
How to Fix It:
First, turn off the tap. Take out your Allen wrench to unscrew the knot at the base of the spout, so you can disassemble the faucet. Take it out of its socket to expose the washers. Remove and replace them with new ones. After you’re finished, reassemble the fixture, then check if it’s still leaking.
Low Water Pressure
If you notice that water from the faucet is only trickling down instead of gushing out, you have low water pressure. Though a broken water supply line can cause it, it’s highly unlikely. It’s usually a result of too much buildup of sediments in your aerators.
The water you get from the main supply lines carries dissolved minerals that will deposit themselves on any metal surface. A filtration system or aerator will help prevent this from causing trouble since those filters can simply be replaced.
How to Fix It:
Most kitchen faucets have easily removable aerators. You just need to unscrew them from the fixture and let them soak in vinegar overnight to get rid of trapped sediments. If the issue persists, you might have a more complex problem that needs a professional solution.
Clogged Sink
Another annoying issue with sinks that many homeowners commonly encounter is when they get clogged. This can certainly cause major delays especially when washing your hands or doing the dishes after a meal. This is usually a result of a p-trap blockage.
The p-trap is located directly under the sink. It serves two purposes: first is to let the water go down to the sewers, and second is to prevent sewage odors from entering the kitchen. But when it gets filled with soap, grease, and other debris, nothing will be able to pass through. Don’t worry because you can easily fix this.
How to Fix It:
There are plenty of ways to fix this kind of issue. The most common solution is by using regular pliers. Shine a flashlight down the drain to see if you can reach the debris. If not, a trusty plunger can work too. Place it on top of the drain, then force air into it to dislodge the clog. Make sure that the cup covers the opening completely so that air can’t escape. Run hot water down the drain to get rid of any remaining blockage.
Another option is to get under the sink and open the p-trap manually. This way, you can ensure that it’s cleaned thoroughly.
Work With Professional Plumbers
Learning how to fix small problems at home like a sink that’s acting up can save you a lot of money. It can also help you avoid dealing with future headaches. That said, you should be able to differentiate whether it’s doable. If not, it’s best to let professionals handle the task. Don’t hesitate to call reliable local plumbers for the best plumbing solutions.
