Common Problems With Kitchen Sinks and How to Fix Them

Introduction of Common Problems With Kitchen Sinks

If you’ve ever experienced annoying issues with your kitchen sink like a stubborn clog or constant dripping, you know what a headache these problems can cause. A malfunctioning kitchen sink not only makes washing dishes and preparing food more difficult, but can also lead to messy water damage, harmful mold growth, and costly plumbing bills.

Luckily, many common kitchen sink problems can be diagnosed and repaired without the need for a professional plumber. Learning to identify issues and implement simple fixes can save homeowners time, money, and frustration. This article will cover some of the most frequent kitchen sink problems homeowners encounter and provide tips to get your sink back to working order.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the most prevalent kitchen sink issues. When your sink is no longer able to effectively drain water, it creates a smelly, unsanitary mess. There are several culprits that can lead to clogged drains, including:

• Over time, small bits of food and cooking grease slide down the drain and cling to the sides of pipes. Soap scum from dishwashing can also gradually build up. These materials trap other debris passing through the pipes, eventually blocking water flow.
• Hair. Loose hair that gets washed down the drain is another common source of clogging. The long strands get tangled and collect other debris.
• Hard water mineral deposits. In areas with hard water, calcium and magnesium mineral deposits can stick to the insides of drains and reduce capacity.
• Foreign objects. Small items like earrings or food scraps accidentally dropped down the drain get lodged in pipes.
• Improper venting. Inadequate venting or dry drain traps allow sewer gases to bubble up the drain and deposit grease.

The symptoms of a clogged kitchen sink drain include:

• You’ll notice the sink is slow to empty or starts filling up with several inches of standing water.
• The backed up water makes lots of noises.
• Unpleasant sewer gas odors coming from the drain. The blockage traps foul-smelling gases.
• Leakage around pipes under the sink. Built up water pressure can cause leaks at joints.

There are several methods homeowners can try themselves to clear clogged drains before calling a plumber:

1. Plunger A forceful plunging can often dislodge the clog and open up the drain. Cover the overflow holes with a wet rag, fill the sink with 1-2 inches of water, and vigorously plunge up and down over the drain opening. The suction can help pull the blockage free.
2. Drain Snake/Auger For stubborn clogs that are deep in the pipe, a mechanical drain snake can be threaded down the pipes to pull out debris. Feed the flexible metal coil down the drain and twist it to ensnare and remove built-up gunk. An electric drill attachment is useful for longer pipes.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar A chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can help break up some clogs. Start by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar. Cover the drain for 5-10 minutes while the fizzy reaction occurs. Then flush with hot water. Be aware this method is not as effective for severe clogs.
4. Chemical Drain Cleaner Look for drain cleaner products containing active ingredients like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid that help dissolve organic materials. Follow product instructions closely. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling caustic chemical cleaners and only use in well-ventilated areas.
5. Remove and Clean P-Trap If other methods don’t work, the clog may be located in the curved p-trap pipe underneath the sink. Place a bucket under the trap, loosen the slip-nut connections and carefully remove the trap. Use a pipe brush or zip-it tool to remove debris. Reinstall the thoroughly scrubbed trap with new plumber’s putty on the slip-nut threads.

Following these tips can help keep kitchen sink drains free of problematic clogs:

• Use drain strainers and catchers over sink openings to prevent food particles from going down the drain.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink – allow to solidify and dispose with solid wastes instead.
• Monitor soap usage near the sink – excess sudsing can leave sticky soap scum deposits.
• Flush drains regularly with hot water, especially after greasy tasks like washing dishes.
• Use a chemical cleaner or baking soda flush treatment monthly to keep drains clear.
• Check for any foreign objects that fall into the sink and remove them immediately.

Leaky Faucets

The constant drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet can drive homeowners crazy. Not only is it annoying, but it also wastes gallons of water and leads to higher utility bills. Diagnosing and repairing faucet leaks is one of the more straightforward DIY sink fixes.

Common causes of leaky faucets include:

• Worn washers and O-rings. The rubber washers and O-ring gaskets allow the faucet handle to transition between open and closed. After years of use, they lose elasticity and no longer seal properly.
• Loose fittings. If fixtures underneath the sink are loose, water can drip from the joints. Loosened nuts on supply line connections are often the issue.
• Damaged valve seats/cartridges. Internal damage to faucet valves and cartridges prevents them from regulating water flow. Plastic cartridges also degrade over time.
• Mineral buildup. Hard water deposits can encrust faucet components and prevent proper sealing.
• Worn threads. Leakage may come from overused pipe threads that no longer fit together snugly.

The first step in any leaky faucet repair is confirming the exact location of the leak. Put a few drops of food coloring into the water lines and determine if the color shows up at joints, the base of the spout, or another area.

For leaks coming from replaceable washers or O-rings, you can buy a faucet repair kit with replacement rubber parts. Turn off the water lines, take the faucet apart using pliers or a wrench, lubricate the washers, and reassemble the faucet. Replace any worn washers, O-rings, springs or seats.

To stop leaks coming from loose supply line nuts, simply tighten the fittings with an adjustable wrench. Use caution not to over-tighten. You may need to remove mineral deposits from the valve seat with white vinegar before tightening.

For continuously running faucets with internal valve issues, you’ll likely need to replace the entire cartridge or valve mechanism. Identify the brand and model of your faucet to purchase the right replacement kit. Use caution when working with plastic cartridges, as they can become brittle with age and easily crack.

Be prepared to call in a professional plumber if you have difficulty identifying the leak source, shutting off the water lines, or making the necessary repairs. A complex faucet leak often requires expertise to fix correctly. Regular preventative faucet maintenance like replacing washers and lubricating parts can help minimize annoying drips.

Garbage Disposal Problems

Garbage disposals provide a convenient way to grind up kitchen scraps. However, like any frequently used appliance, disposals are prone to wear and tear issues. Common garbage disposal problems include:

• Leakage. Water leaking between the garbage disposal and sink drain indicates a damaged seal. Food waste can also leak from a deteriorated splash guard.
• Humming but not operating. When turned on, the disposal hums but the blades don’t turn. This usually means something is jammed in the flywheel. You may be able to manually turn the flywheel and dislodge the obstruction.
• Power failure. If you hear clicks but the disposal won’t start, it likely has a tripped reset button or electrical issue.
• Clogged drain line. Too much food waste at once can clog the drain outlet pipe, causing dirty water to back up into the sink.
• Bad odor. Rotting debris stuck in the disposal creates foul smells. Running ice cubes, citrus peels or baking soda can help freshen it.

Start troubleshooting a faulty garbage disposal by pressing the reset button, which is often located on the bottom of the unit. This will restore power after an overload tripped the safety.

Carefully insert an Allen wrench or specialty disposal tool into the center shaft at the bottom to manually turn the flywheel backward and forward a few times. This can force out jams. Never stick fingers into a running disposal. If an object is visible, turn off power and use tongs to carefully remove it.

For stubborn clogs, use a sink plunger over the drain to forcefully dislodge the blockage. You can also try snaking the drain line by removing the p-trap and threading a drain auger down the pipe.

Leaky food waste around the rim indicates a bad seal. Remove the disposal if needed to inspect the rubber gasket. Replace seals with plumber’s putty as required to stop leaks. Damaged or corroded garbage disposals may need replacement. Make sure to get the same mounting system when installing a new unit.

To maintain your garbage disposal, avoid putting non-food items like silverware, bottle caps or coffee grounds down the drain. Grinding up eggshells, citrus rinds or bones helps clean the blades and pipes. Always run water before and after using the disposal to flush waste down the drain.

Noisy Pipes

Hearing thumps, banging and other noises coming from supply lines or drain pipes is another common kitchen sink problem. The echos reverberate easily through sinks and cabinets. Possible causes of noisy pipes include:

• Improper installation. If pipes are too loose, not properly insulated or run through incorrect openings, vibrations will cause noise.
• High water pressure. Excessive water velocity flowing through pipes makes them rattle and hammer. A pressure reducer on the main water supply line can help.
• Loose pipes. Pipes that have come loose from their fittings clank as water passes through.
• Trapped air bubbles. Pockets of air stuck in the pipes create a gurgling or knocking sound each time a faucet is turned on.
• Lost wall or cabinet insulation. Pipes that lost protective foam insulation can clatter against wood framing.

Pinpointing the exact location of strange pipe noises is the first step in quieting them. Try to isolate the sound to the hot or cold supply lines, drain vent stack, or specific horizontal runs under cabinets. Ask a helper to run water in different sinks throughout the house while you listen in the kitchen to trace noises.

For pipes that were improperly attached, you may need to detach and re-hang them with proper joints, hangers and clamps. Adding closed-cell foam insulation wraps on exposed pipes can help muffle vibrations and noises, especially if wall insulation has compressed. Use foam rubber sleeves or covers in especially problematic areas.

Excess water pressure from the street supply can be reduced with an adjustable pressure regulator valve. Set this to around 50-60 PSI to prevent pipes from hammering. Slowly close the valve until noises stop.

Inspect junctures where noisy pipes connect to fittings or valves. Tighten any loose nuts or joints with an adjustable wrench. Apply fresh plumber’s tape to threaded connections to restore a snug fit. Removing any trapped air pockets in the lines may also reduce water whooshing sounds.

If these DIY remedies don’t eliminate the annoying pipe rattles and clanks, you may need to hire a plumber to inspect for issues within wall cavities or under the floor. Persistent pipe noise usually means there is an underlying problem needing professional repair.

Bad Odors from Sink Drains

Unpleasant rotten egg, sewage or fish-like smells wafting from the kitchen sink drain are never normal. Bad odors indicate a problem lurking in the plumbing that needs to be addressed. Possible causes of foul sink smells include:

• Accumulated food debris in the garbage disposal. Particles get trapped and decay. Running ice helps clean the grinding components.
• Clogged sink drain trap. When the trap under the sink loses water, sewer gases can leak up through the opening.
• Blocked drain vent pipes. Vent blockages prevent air circulation, allowing odor to come through drains.
• Deteriorating or cracked drain trap seals and pipes. This allows gases to infiltrate living spaces.
• Improperly installed plumbing. Incorrect slope or empty traps make odors more likely.

There are several DIY methods to attack bad sink odors and freshen up drains between professional drain cleanings:

• Clean disposal with baking soda and vinegar. Run these ingredients down the disposal while running hot water. The foaming reaction will help flush debris. Finish by grinding up citrus peels for a fresh scent.
• Boil water and salt. Pour down the drain to sterilize and absorb odors. Follow with baking soda and vinegar to react with buildup.
• Use an enzyme drain cleaner monthly. Enzymes help dissolve organic matter stuck to pipes.
• Snake drain vent pipes with a chimney brush. Rubber bristles scrub away clogs preventing air flow.
• Replace cracked slip-nut seals on trap. A tight seal stops sewer gas leakage. Consider replacing old metal traps with new PVC models.
• Try a drain freshening product. Look for non-toxic solutions made with essential oils, enzymes, or odor absorbing beads that get poured down sinks.

If DIY odor removal efforts fail, there may be a larger issue needing professional repair. A full drain cleaning with hydro-jetting can scrub away years of built-up gunk. Inspectors can check drain venting and traps for deterioration. Any improperly installed plumbing may need correction to stop future smells.

Correcting a Leaking Sink

Water mysteriously dripping from underneath the kitchen sink or countertop edge usually means the sink itself has a leak. Catching and repairing sink leaks quickly prevents damage to cabinets, floors and walls. Common causes of a leaking sink include:

• Deteriorated plumber’s putty seal. The putty underneath the rim eventually dries out. Replace with fresh putty.
• Cracked sink. Over-tightened fittings, dropped heavy items, and normal wear and tear can cause cracks in porcelain, stainless steel or enameled sinks.
• Loose fittings. Supply lines, drains and traps connected under the sink can loosen over time, developing leaks.
• Rusty garbage disposal mounts. Leakage around the disposal above indicates corroded mounting bolts must be replaced.
• Overflowing water. Faucet or drain obstructions causing sink overflow will leak water over the sides.

To pinpoint the source of the leak, carefully run water in the sink and look underneath for any drips. Leakage near the drain means the P-trap system needs tightening. For cracks or putty seal failures, the sink itself requires repair.

Try tightening any leaky fittings or connections under the sink with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Don’t over-tighten metal sink parts to avoid cracking the porcelain. Lubricating rubber gaskets may help stop slow drips.

Badly worn plumber’s putty can be scraped out from around the sink rim with a putty knife. Knead fresh putty and press into the channel between the sink and counter. Tighten down the retaining clips around the sink to seal the putty into place.

For serious cracks or fractures in sinks, choose a patching product made for your sink material. Epoxy fillers work best for ceramic, porcelain, concrete and enamel sinks. METAL sinks can be welded. Acrylic sinks can be patched with acrylic bonding compound. Review all product directions closely before attempting sink repairs.

If the sink leak is extensive, it may be time to fully replace the old sink. A professional plumber can remove and install a new sink, safely shutting off supply lines and adapting or replacing the existing faucet and drain fittings.

Regular Upkeep and Cleaning

From frequently cleaning drains to inspecting fixtures, staying on top of sink maintenance prevents problems. For example, drying wet sinks helps avoid mineral buildup and rust stains.

Annual Plumbing Inspections

Having a plumber annually inspect visible plumbing like supply pipes and valves catches issues early before they worsen. A camera inspection of drains also identifies hidden clogs before they fully block the pipe.

High Quality Fixtures/Pipes

Investing in well-made sinks, faucets, valves, and drainage pipes made of durable materials like stainless steel, copper, or enameled cast iron reduces breakdowns and leaks over time.

Proper Use and Care

Treating sinks with care, avoiding pouring grease down drains, using grinding food disposals properly, and shutting off water during vacations all help prevent misuse that damages plumbing.

Catch Issues Early

Stay alert to any new drips, noises, decreased water pressure, odors, or cracks and take quick action. This prevents severe deterioration and more costly repairs down the road.

When to Call a Plumber

While many common sink issues can be DIY repaired, there are certain situations when a professional plumber is required:

• Drain clogs that persist after trying several home remedies
• Leaks originating behind walls or under the sink basin
• Very low water pressure throughout the home
• Loud banging inside pipes that persists despite adjustments
• Pervasive bad odors coming from drains or supply pipes
• Visible cracks or damage in drain or supply pipes
• Sink holes and seepage indicating severely damaged sink basin
• Poor original installation work in need of corrections
• For any issues requiring major sink or pipe replacement work

Conclusion

Kitchen sinks endure constant heavy use and the many problems that can arise like clogs, leaks, pressure issues, noises, odors, and cracks can frustrate homeowners. But armed with knowledge of the underlying causes and an arsenal of solutions to try, most common sink issues can be successfully self-diagnosed and repaired without requiring a plumber. Paying attention to preventative sink maintenance also reduces future breakdowns. Handle problems promptly before they worsen or cause secondary damage. With some perseverance and DIY spirit, you can tackle the most prevalent kitchen sink troubles yourself. However, know when professional help is needed for complex or plumbing intensive repairs. Keeping your kitchen sink in good working order makes life much smoother.