The Components of Kitchen Plumbing

Kitchen plumbing follows the basic laws of nature – gravity and pressure. The plumbing system in your home is made up of two separate subsystems. One subsystem brings in freshwater, which is under pressure. The other carries wastewater out, relying on gravity. Maintenance of your kitchen plumbing is an easy way to save money and avoid plumbing problems.

Kitchen Sink

A sink is likely the most important fixture in a kitchen. Under the strainer body that you can see is a rubber gasket and a locknut. These connect to the strainer sleeve and then to the tailpiece. All of this leads down to the trap. The trap is where things, that are not supposed to go down the drain, fall. The trap has a clean out plug on the bottom. It then winds back up and is connected to the pipe that takes the water out to the septic tank or sewer system.

Kitchen Sink Maintenance

Maintaining your kitchen sink is essential as it is the most used fixture.

• Make sure to clean your drain at least once a month to prevent clogs or backups. Purchasing a drain cleaner will also help.
• Place a strainer over the kitchen drain to prevent food from entering the garbage disposal and drain.

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal – found under the sink – pulverizes and stores food waste going down your sink drain in a compartment known as a hopper chamber. Water from the kitchen faucet flushes the waste material out of this chamber. The waste then gets pushed down the sewer system or into the septic tank.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Garbage disposals can clog, wear out or make weird noises. Below are some tips to prevent that from happening.

• Do not put liquid grease down the garbage disposal.
• Run the tap while grinding food. Allow the tap to run for at least 15 seconds after the food is finished grinding.
• Do not put foods that are hard to grind down the disposal.
• Use and clean the disposal often.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are usually connected directly to your kitchen plumbing but have the outlet connected to the garbage disposal at the top of the hopper. This allows the food waste from the dishwasher to drain through the disposal along with the water.

Dishwasher Maintenance

Proper maintenance can help the dishwasher run smoothly and clean effectively for as long as possible.

• Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and set it to run a cycle. This will eliminate bad smells and old food particles.
• Use a rag to clean the seals around the dishwasher and soap dispenser. This will get rid of old food that could cause clogging.

Refrigerator

Copper tubing is attached to the refrigerator water pipe. A nut and ferrule are used to do this. A cut is made into the cold-water line under the sink and a copper T-fitting is attached. A water valve and gasket seal are attached to the T-fitting. This is so you can control the water flow and pressure to the fridge. The other end of the copper tubing is then attached to the water valve. The refrigerator is attached to the cold-water line allowing for ice and water to be ready whenever it is needed.

Refrigerator Maintenance

We rely on refrigerators to keep perishable food items cold on a daily basis. Correct maintenance can ensure that your refrigerator runs smoothly for longer.

• Under the refrigerator is a pan that catches all the condensation that drips off of the cooling coils. Although most of it evaporates, it is good practice to clean the pan occasionally.
• Periodically defrost your freezer to make sure ice accumulation does not put strain on operation. Most modern refrigerators have a self-defrosting mode. Manual refrigerators need to be switched off so that the ice can melt.
• It is important to keep the coils under and behind the refrigerator clean. This is to avoid overheating. They can be cleaned by turning the appliance off and vacuuming the coils.
• The door seal will eventually lose its elasticity. To extend its life, rub petroleum jelly on it. This will keep the rubber lubricated.
• A refrigerator relies on a level position to keep the doors from warping. Use a hand level and a wrench to adjust the refrigerator feet.

The kitchen is an area of the home that we rely on heavily for day-to-day living. Ensuring that the appliances in the kitchen are in good condition should be at the top of your list. We at Art Plumbing, AC and Electric can help you with all your kitchen plumbing concerns.