Kitchen emergencies can throw an entire family’s routine into disarray. Plumbing issues can render the kitchen sink unusable, while broken appliances can prevent you from preparing your usual meals. Thankfully, you can fix some of the most common problems on your own. Below are four common kitchen emergencies and how to handle them:
Blocked Drains
Clogged kitchen drains can be caused by several different factors. The most likely reason for blocked drains Perth residents point to is improper food waste disposal, causing food and other solids to become trapped in the pipes beneath your sink. Another culprit is pouring grease or oil down the drain, both of which can solidify and create a blockage in your plumbing system.
You can fix a slow-draining sink by using a plunger to force air into the pipes. And if that doesn’t work, you can pour some chemical cleaner down the drain to dissolve the obstruction. But if the sink appears completely clogged, it may be necessary to hire a plumber from a reliable company such as Property Plumbing and Gas.
Smelly Drains
Similar to the previous problem, foul smells from your kitchen sink are usually due to rotting food that’s stuck in the drain. You can fix it by pouring a cup of baking soda and then two cups of vinegar down the drain. This homemade remedy creates a bubbling chemical reaction that should clean the drain out. After letting the solution sit for a few minutes, pour hot water down the drain to rinse the pipes out.
Another potential source of bad odour may be sewer gas coming from a leaking or obstructed drain trap. In that case, you may have to dismantle the water trap under your sink and give it a good cleaning. If the smell persists after that, it may be time to call a plumber.
Leaky Tap
A leaking kitchen tap might seem like a small issue, but it could cost you a lot of money if left unaddressed. Indeed, a tap that releases one drip per second can waste up to 11,000 litres of water in a single year. The worst part is that you’ll still have to pay for all that water, even if you didn’t use any of it.
The good news is that you can fix a leaky tap yourself if you’re handy. But if the problem is due to an old, deteriorated faucet, a complete replacement may be necessary. In case you don’t have the time to take care of it, just call a plumber to diagnose the tap and fix it.
Foul Fridge Odour
Does an unpleasant smell greet you whenever you open the fridge? There may be some spoiled leftovers or rotting produce sitting on the fridge’s shelves.
To get rid of the odour, take out all of the refrigerator’s contents. Then, give the walls and shelves a good scrubbing with some dish soap and water. You can also place a small plate with baking soda in the fridge, which may help absorb any odours.
If the foul smell persists even if the fridge’s interior is pristine, check behind the unit. Some refrigerator models have a drip pan attached to collect condensation, usually found around the back. This needs to be taken out for cleaning now and again, too.
Keeping your kitchen clean and well-maintained will prevent most issues from ever occurring. But if you aren’t sure how to tackle a problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional to solve it.
