The kitchen sink does more work than any other sink in your house, since it takes care of food preparation as well as food disposal. Many different materials can go down a sink drain, and the faucet for it is far more powerful with more water flow capacity than any bathroom sink. Taking good care of it is important to avoid the need for plumbing repair.
We’re local experts when it comes to sink plumbing in Evanston, IL, and we’d like to share our best tips for maintaining your kitchen sink so it works best for you for many years. When you do run into troubles, we’re always here to help, and we offer 24/7 service.
Use a Sink Strainer
If you have a double sink or a sink without a garbage disposal, make sure that the main drain has a high-quality strainer in it to catch food scraps and other objects so they won’t get down the drain. You’ll have to regularly empty the strainer in the trash, but it will go a long way toward preventing clogs and harming the drainpipe.
Regularly Clean It
Cleaning the sink not only makes it more pleasant, but it helps keep the sink in better shape—especially if you have a metal sink, which can corrode if not cleaned regularly. Clean the sink using a detergent and occasionally pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Avoid hard cleaning chemicals that might damage the sink’s surface.
Don’t Pour FOG Down the Drain
“FOG” is an acronym for “fats, oils, and grease,” and these are some of the main enemies of your sink drain. Although liquid when hot, FOG solidifies as it cools and can create a gunky mess and obstruction in the pipes. We recommend collecting grease in a container (like a coffee can) and putting it in the trash. Wipe grease off dishes with a paper towel before washing them in the sink.
Watch for Signs of Leaks
Periodically look under the sink to see if there are water stains or other signs of dampness. Water can leak around the edge of the sink, the garbage disposal, or from leaks in the pipes. Address any leaks promptly—there is no such thing as a “minor” leak!
Watch the Water Pressure
If you notice the water pressure from the faucet dropping, the first thing to do is check the aerator in the faucet head and clean out mineral deposits. In most cases, this will fix the problem. If it doesn’t, there may be blockages elsewhere in the faucet that will require a professional plumber to fix.
Never Delay Getting Rid of Clogs
If the sink begins draining slowly or clogs up, address the problem as soon as you can. Use a plunger first and then a drain snake, but don’t use caustic chemical drain cleaners—these can cause much worse damage. Call for a plumber to resolve the situation if you can’t unclog it. Our plumbers have the best tools to ensure the drain is completely cleared.
For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!