Are you dealing with a plumbing problem and not sure how to fix it?

Kitchen sink plumbing issues are not only annoying, some can also raise your water bill. The good news is that you can fix most problems on your own without calling a plumber.

From a smelly sink to clogged drains and more, there’s a lot that can go wrong with your plumbing. Learn about the most common kitchen sink plumbing problems and how to fix them.

Clogged Drain Lines

If the water in your sink isn’t draining you might have a clogged drain line.

Many people believe a garbage disposal can chop up anything. But certain foods like rice and coffee grounds can cause blockages.

You can use a plunger to dislodge the blockage but if the problem persists call a plumber. Avoid putting certain foods down the drain and always use plenty of hot water to flush waste down the disposal.

Low Water Pressure

If your sink has low water pressure you could have a clogged aerator.

This is a common sink problem for people with hard water. It’s usually caused by mineral deposits that clog the aerator. To fix the problem, simply replace the aerator.

If you’re unhappy with the quality of your water, you may want to switch to a filtered water system. Take a look at this page to learn more about a home filter system.

Leaking Faucet

Most leaking faucets are the result of an old cartridge part or o-ring that needs replacing. 

Start by shutting off the water supply. There may be individual valves under the sink or you might have a water supply for the entire house.

Remove your faucet handle. How you do this depends on the type of faucet you have but should be fairly easy. Replace any worn or damaged parts and reattach your faucet handle.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal is usually the result of a hard object wedged in the drain or an old unit.

Turn off the power to your disposal and try to locate any obstructions with a flashlight.

Never stick your hand in the disposal, instead use pliers to remove debris and blockages. You can manually turn the blades with a special key or Allen wrench to break up food. If that doesn’t work, try using a plunger.

Stinky Sink

A stinky sink is most often due to a buildup of grease and old food stuck in your drain.

Begin by flushing the pipes with plenty of hot water. Run the disposal to break up old food gunk.

Toss a few ice cubes down the disposal with kosher salt to clean the grinder and then flush again. White vinegar also works.

Use These Tips to Fix Your Sink Plumbing Problems

Sink plumbing issues happen to the best of us even if you’re careful about what you put down the drain.

Thankfully, you can fix most of these common kitchen sink problems yourself. But if the problem persists you may have to call a plumber to take a look.

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our site for more advice and news on a variety of topics.