Kitchen leaks can increase water bills, cause water damage, and encourage mold growth. As with other plumbing issues, you may prevent and deal with kitchen leaks best if you know why they occur in the first place. Below are three sources of kitchen plumbing that can cause leaks.
1. Appliances
Plumbing appliances in the kitchen can lead to water leaks and damages in multiple ways. Below are some of the appliances to worry about.
Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal can trigger leaks in two main ways. The first is if waste in the garbage disposal blocks the drainage system and allows waste to back up into the house. The second is if the garbage disposal suffers damage that allows a water leak. For example, the seal around the disposal-sink junction can wear out and cause water leaks.
Dishwasher
A dishwasher has multiple moving parts whose failure can lead to water leaks. For example, the supply lines can wear out with time, and the door seal can deteriorate - both issues will allow water to leak. Blocked dishwater can also cause leakages when the pressure within its drainage system rises and exceeds the pipes' tolerances.
Refrigerator
Refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers have water supply lines. Many of the supply lines are plastic tubes. The plastic tube usually deteriorates over time, cracks, and starts leaking water. The leak might go for some time unnoticed and cause considerable water damage. For example, the leak can trigger mold growth.
2. Fixtures
Apart from the appliances, your kitchen plumbing fixtures can also cause water leaks.
Sink
The kitchen sink is a common source of a water leak. For example:
- The kitchen might leak if the caulk around it is missing or deteriorated. The damage happens over time, so you might not notice it immediately.
- Debris might clog the sink and prevent its drainage. Many sink clogs occur in the P-trap under the sink and isolate it from the drainage system. In such a case, water might overfill the sink and overflow.
Anything that causes sink water to divert from its usual path can cause a leak.
Faucets
Faucets use different rubber washers and different seals. These connections can wear out over time and allow water to drip out of the faucets or leak from the connections.
3. Pipes
Both supply and drainage pipes in the kitchen can leak water. Below are the common reasons these pipes can leak.
Freezing
Your plumbing pipes might freeze during the cold season. The risk of freezing is high if you don't heat your house properly. An example is if you switch off the heater while away or fail to insulate your plumbing pipes. The frozen pipes can burst and spill water.
Corrosion
Metal pipes corrode over time. Corrosion weakens materials, and corroded pipes can develop cracks or pinholes that can allow water leaks. The risk of corrosion damage is especially high if your water pressure is high or your kitchen pipes handle exceptionally hot water.
Blockages
Drain blockages can cause waste to back into the house if that happens. In addition, the pressure within drainpipes rises if something blocks them.
The pressure can force waste to leak out of the pipes through weak points, such as damaged seals.
Some of these leaks require professional intervention. PlumbRite has extensive plumbing experience. We have been active in the plumbing industry for over 20 years. Contact us to diagnose and fix your water leaks and protect your house. We have an emergency 24/7 service, which means we can come to your rescue at any time of the day. We look forward to helping you.
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