Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

Kitchens see more daily plumbing use than almost any other room in the house, which is why kitchen sinks and connected appliances are one of the most common sources of plumbing call-outs.

Blocked sink drains

Fat, oil, grease and food scraps are the leading cause of kitchen sink blockages. Pouring fat down the drain while it's still liquid feels harmless, but it solidifies as it cools further down the pipe and gradually narrows the space water can flow through. Scraping plates into the bin before washing up and avoiding pouring fat down the sink goes a long way toward preventing this.

Dishwasher and washing machine connections

Dishwashers and washing machines are connected to both water supply and drainage, and hose connections can wear or loosen over time. A small drip behind an appliance is easy to miss until it's caused water damage to cabinetry or flooring, so it's worth checking behind these appliances periodically.

Leaking under-sink pipework

The pipework under a kitchen sink includes several joints, and even a small leak here can go unnoticed for a long time inside a cabinet. Cabinetry that's damp, swollen or has a musty smell is usually the first sign something under the sink needs attention.

Garbage disposal issues (where installed)

Where a garbage disposal unit is installed, fibrous scraps, coffee grounds and starchy foods like pasta and rice are common causes of jams and blockages. Running water while the disposal is operating helps flush waste through rather than letting it build up in the unit or the pipe beyond it.

Low pressure at the kitchen tap

A kitchen tap with reduced flow is often just a clogged aerator, the small mesh screen at the tap's outlet, which can usually be unscrewed and cleaned. If flow is still low afterward, the cause is more likely further back in the plumbing and worth having checked.