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10 Nov. 2023
Why Is My Sink Not Draining? Common Causes & Solutions
Sink not draining? It’s one of the most common household plumbing problems that property owners face. It can be quite an inconvenience and drain on your patience as well. But don’t fret, because there’s also some good news about this common problem – and that bit of good news is that it’s one of the easier plumbing issues to troubleshoot and resolve on your own.
So, if your sink isn’t adequately draining, don’t panic! Instead, take the time to diagnose the likely cause and implement the best solution. Read on as we discuss the common causes of a clogged sink and the solutions to get it draining again.
The Usual Suspects: Common Causes of a Clogged Sink
If your sink is slow to drain or won’t drain at all, it’s often due to an obstruction in the pipes. And if you’re wondering how blockages form in the piping, just think about everything that has the potential to enter the system based on the room the sink is in. For instance, soap scum, toothpaste, and hair are likely to go down the drain in the bathroom. And in the kitchen, food debris and grease can obstruct pipes. As these obstructions accumulate over time, pipes become clogged, and water has difficulty draining.
Another common cause of a clogged sink is a damaged or ill-fitting sink strainer. Sink strainers are often installed on kitchen sinks or shower drains and are designed to capture food debris, hair, and other objects while allowing water to pass freely down the drain. If these components don’t fit right or are damaged, they’re not going to work properly. In the event that a sink strainer contributes to a clogged sink, you’ll not only need to address the blockage in the pipes but replace the strainer as well.
The Solution: How to Get Your Sink Draining Again
So, how do you get your sink to drain properly again? The good news is that there are a number of things you can try to clear the obstruction yourself. Here’s a look:
1. Plunger Power
Plungers aren’t just for toilets, though you likely won’t be able to use the plunger that you use on your toilet on the sink. We suggest picking up a mini sink plunger that will adequately fit over the drain opening. When a seal is formed over the drain opening, the pressure of the water may be enough to remove obstructions in the drain pipes.
To use a plunger to clear a blockage, follow these steps:
- Fill the sink about halfway with hot water.
- Place the plunger over the drain opening.
- Pump the plunger up and down over the drain opening to create suction and place pressure on the blockage.
- Repeat until the water drains freely.
2. Boiling Water
Ideal for clearing grease or oil buildup, boiling water can help break down blockages and clear pipes. What’s more, all you need is a pot and your stove to implement this solution. Simply fill a pot with water and heat it on the stove until it begins to boil. Once boiling, slowly pour the water down the drain. Repeat as necessary until the sink begins to drain freely again.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar is an ideal way to clear obstructions. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Next, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes in the drain. This is enough time to create a chemical reaction at the site of the blockage.
- After 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
We should note that we strongly discourage using chemical drain cleaners to clear obstructions. While they may be successful in removing any blockages, many are known to also cause damage to the pipes over time. Stick to natural solutions for treating blockages and for regular cleaning purposes.
4. A Professional Plumber
If these DIY methods fail, then know you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn clog. And when you’re up against a stubborn clog, calling in a professional plumber is your best bet. A professional plumber will come equipped with the right tools, techniques, and know-how to get your sink back to normal.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
The best way to solve a clogged sink is to take preventative steps to make sure it doesn’t become obstructed in the first place. Here’s a look at some tips and tricks to ensure your sinks are always draining freely:
- Clear plates with large food scraps into the garbage before rinsing in the kitchen sink.
- In the kitchen, ensure the garbage disposal is in good working order so food debris is broken up into small enough scraps to safely travel through pipes and into the wastewater system. An easy way to sharpen and clean a garbage disposal is by grinding ice cubes in it.
- Don’t pour grease or oils down the drain. Instead, pour them into a cup or jar and discard it.
- Use a drain strainer in kitchen sinks to catch food debris and in bathrooms to catch hair and soap scum.
- Perform routine pipe cleaning using natural solutions, such as baking soda and vinegar or boiling water.
Dealing with a clogged sink is never fun, but in most cases, the issue can be easily resolved without having to call in a professional plumber. Clogged sinks can also be prevented with some routine maintenance. Take the time today to ensure your sinks are draining as they should and consider implementing the solutions mentioned in this post if they’re not.
20 Oct. 2023
Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking? Solving the Puzzle
Are you wondering to yourself, why is my dishwasher leaking? Dishwashers are designed to manage large loads of water without leaving puddles on your kitchen floor. They are extremely convenient time-saving appliances, but when they leak, it’s incredibly frustrating until you can find the cause.
What Causes a Leaky Dishwasher?
A variety of factors can cause dishwasher leaks, and it’s crucial to identify the root cause before the leak turns into a bigger and more expensive problem. Here are some of the most common reasons for dishwasher leaks and what to do about them.
Blocked Drainage
Your dishwater operates with a number of safety points in order to conserve water and prevent leaks. But if the dishwater can’t properly drain water, those safety points can’t stop water from spilling out onto your kitchen floor. Blocked drainage is one of the most common causes of dishwasher leaks.
The dishwasher is meant to drain from the tub. If that drain is blocked for any reason, the water can easily overflow and cause a leak. You might be surprised how little it takes to block the dishwasher drain hole. A stray lettuce leaf, a chunk of meat, and fat or grease buildup are often sufficient to cause a problem.
Homeowners often believe that rinsing dishes ahead of time helps with getting dishes sparkling clean. But it also serves a secondary purpose of helping to keep the tub drain hole clear.
If your dishwasher consistently leaves water on the kitchen floor after a cycle, check the drain with a flashlight for signs of debris that need to be cleared. If there is no debris, the cause could be a malfunctioning drain valve, in which case a plumber should be called.
Worn or Damaged Gasket
The dishwasher gasket is the thick, black rubber seal in place around the perimeter of the door. The gasket ensures a tight seal when you shut the door. Over time, the gasket can fall out of place. The rubber may also dry out and shrink or develop tiny little divots or pinholes. In any case, if the gasket is in disrepair or out of place, it can’t properly seal the door shut during a cycle, and a water leak will likely occur.
If the dishwasher leak you’re experiencing is around the door or the base of the dishwasher near the gasket line, there’s a good chance it’s gasket-related. There is a dedicated channel where the gasket fits in. Visually examine the gasket to see if it is in the proper place. If it’s out of place, you may be able to push it back into place with your fingers or with the help of a dull, flat butter knife.
Check to see that the gasket is clean. Food debris often builds up on dishwasher gaskets, preventing it from sealing the door properly. Clean it with a damp cloth to remove debris.
If the gasket is old or damaged, you can order a new one and install it yourself. If you have trouble fitting the new gasket around, your plumber can help.
Damaged Pump or Valve
As mentioned, your dishwasher has certain features that work to prevent leaks. With so much high-pressure water jetting around inside during a cycle, you can imagine how important it is that everything functions well. One of these functions is the pump and valve, which work together to move water in and out of the dishwasher.
If either of these is damaged or worn, the function fails. A clogged valve typically causes water to spill onto the kitchen floor. A damaged pump may cause water to accumulate inside the tub without draining out as it should. Both problems necessitate calling a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.
Improper Loading
Every model of dishwasher has its own best loading style. Manufacturer’s instructions for loading should always be reviewed and followed, no matter how long you’ve been using dishwashers. It’s so important that loading or stacking dishes the wrong way can actually cause your dishwasher to leak.
Part of the problem stems from the direction the water is being sprayed. If you have dishes blocking a spray where it shouldn’t, the spray will be misdirected in a way that shoots water where it should go. The other part of the problem is that dishes loaded or stacked improperly can block the spinning action of the spray arm. Again, this can lead to leaks and improper draining.
When you have time, be sure to instruct all the members of your family on the proper way to load the dishwasher because it’s not only going to be you doing this chore (even though it may seem like it sometimes!).
Corroded Connections or Supply Lines
Sometimes the problem of a leaky dishwasher is more complicated, such as in the case of corroded connections or supply lines. Water supply lines are typically made of metal, which can corrode from well water or hard water. Corrosive elements in some water can eat away at the water lines, creating minuscule pinholes.
You should know that if you do have hard water or well water, and it’s corroding connections in your dishwasher, chances are the problem is more widespread. Your main plumbing system could be affected, too. This type of issue will not resolve itself and requires the services of a professional. If you suspect this problem, contact a technician right away for help before the problem gets worse.
Solve Your Problems Today!
No matter what the underlying cause of your dishwasher leaks, it’s crucial to act quickly. If it’s something like a worn or out-of-place gasket or something else you can fix yourself, be sure to act swiftly. Otherwise, consult with a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Water leaks from your dishwasher can eventually lead to costly structural damage to your home. Routine and proper maintenance will help to ensure years of reliable, lead-free service from your dishwasher.