When it comes to the kitchen problems like leaks, strong, unpleasant odors and drainage system malfunction, the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that they are all plumbing issues. Fortunately, in the majority of these scenarios, there's so much you can do to avoid the worst possible outcome. Sometimes, it's about the quick first response but sometimes it comes down to what you can do to prevent the disaster from ever becoming an option. With that in mind and without further ado, here are several helpful tips you need to hear.
The most important thing for you to keep track of is the location of your main shut-off valve. Needless to say, this is something that can really prevent a disaster. Regardless what your subsequent plans entail, calling a plumber or tackling the issue on your own, what you need is to stop the problem from escalating. A main water shut-off valve will do just that but for this to work, you need to know its location. In other words, when buying a house, this is the first item whose whereabouts you need to learn. Also, there are two common valve designs - gate valve and ball valve. Both of them operate on a simple enough mechanism.
By fat the most common kitchen plumbing disaster that you may face is the issue of clogged drains and the simplest way of resolving this issue is to prevent it from happening in the first place. First of all, you need to get your hands on a drain strainer in order to prevent food scraps from clogging your sink. This way, you'll just be able to throw them into garbage directly. Second, try pouring a kettle of hot (preferably boiling) water down the drain at least once every week. This is a simple and cheap method that could save you from a world of misfortune in the future.
Don't just pour your grease down the drain, seeing as how it may stick to the inside of your pipes and cause a major issue, later on. If you're throwing anything down the disposal, make sure to have water steadily running in order to create a stream that will take the garbage down the drainage system. Remember even if something does get where it's not supposed to be, it usually won't be stuck for a while. This is why even a slight stream of cold water may be able to push it in the right direction.
If the drain does clog, you have three ways of resolving this issue. First, you can try using the plunger which is a simple method. For the sake of hygiene, have one plunger just for your kitchen sink. You could be surprised at just how many people ignore this logical, even common-sense related tip. Second, you can use home-made solutions like vinegar and baking soda. Finally, if all else fails, you can turn to cable auger and handle these issues the old fashioned way.
The next thing you need to keep in mind is the importance of quick response. Even if you do shut off the valve, the leak alone can't stay like that forever, which is why you need to have a reliable plumber on speed dial. Even more importantly, the plumber in question needs to be in general proximity of your residence, so that they can arrive on short notice. This means someone in your town, preferably even in your suburb or area of town. Having the number of your plumber on speed dial is always advised because they will have a solution for blocked drains and other problems that need to be resolved on a moment's notice.
One truth that a lot of people seem completely unaware of is the fact that the vast majority of kitchen plumbing disasters don't happen overnight. Even if there is a problem of sorts, it will take days and weeks for the problem to escalate to the state in which it could be considered a disaster. There are only two reasons why people fail to react. The first one is that they don't really care and the latter one is that they don't notice. While there might not be much one can do about the first reason, the latter can be easily resolved by developing a habit of performing regular kitchen plumbing inspections.
In the end, it's more than clear that preparing in advance is the best way to go. You see, once you find yourself in the middle of a major disaster, your adrenaline will be pumping so hard that it will be hard for you to maintain focus on any plan that requires more than several steps. This is why a simple act of shutting the main valve off and calling a plumber is just perfect for this scenario. Nonetheless, it's even better if you can have a contingency plan in advance and invest extra effort into prevention and inspection. Combined, this will give you a fail-proof system that you can stand behind.
Author Bio: Ron is a hobby designer and a DIY enthusiast, and, above all, a very blessed father of two. Besides that, he has a strong passion for writing. If he is not working he enjoys being outside with his family. Hiking, bike riding, and barbecuing are always a thing for him. In the evening, he likes to watch documentaries or build something with kids in their Lego corner.