Potential trouble spots for a kitchen sink and faucet include dripping faucet (most common), leaks where the sink meets the counter top, leaking drain pipes, leaking connection between the water supply pipes and the faucet, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning garbage disposal or hot water dispenser.
Most faucets and taps made until the 1970s used a small disk of rubber called a “washer” to stop the flow of water when the hot or cold tap handle was shut off. The faucet mechanism closes down and squeezes against the washer, sealing off the space for water to flow through. Eventually the washer gets old, brittle and cracked, allowing a small flow of water even when the handle is tightened down fully. Inexpensive replacement washers are still available in any hardware store to stop dripping, even for very old faucets. Most modern faucets don’t have washers but use a replaceable valve cartridge instead. When these leak, the only practical solution is to replace the cartridge. Both washer and cartridge replacement is something that a handy homeowner could complete themselves.
The lack of an air vent is the leading cause of a sink drain that makes gurgling sounds as the water goes down. Adding an air admittance valve to the drain pipe may solves the problem. Not every jurisdiction allows air admittance valves, but they can work well and are relatively easy to install. If you are experiencing a gurgling drain, call a licensed plumber to see if an air admittance valve is an option.
All dishwashers have a connection to the drain (usually under the kitchen sink), but most only have an inlet for a hot water supply. Since dishwashers don’t have cold or warm cycles, a hot water feed is all that’s needed. This hot water feed usually taps into the supply pipe near the kitchen faucet. The only exception to this are high-end dishwashers with internal water heating capabilities. These might have a cold-only connection or they might heat the already-hot water to a higher temperature.
If your dishwasher fails to get your dishes, glasses and cutlery as clean is you’d like, and it appears to be running well in other ways, try running your kitchen faucet until the water is hot before each dish washer load. These days dishwashers use so little water that they might not actually get to the completely hot water from the hot water supply pipe. Running the kitchen hot water tap until the water gets hot can improve dishwashing results by eliminating the residual cold.
Depending on how much drinking water you take from your fridge, the filter may need to be changed every six months to a year. Most fridges have a warning light to alert you when filter needs changing, but you might not get around to this right away. Be sure to check the manufactures recommended replacement cycle and mark the installation date on the filter label before installation so you know at a glance how long it’s been in place.
Leone Plumbing Residential Plumbing GuideMost households rely on residential plumbing for day-to-day chores such as cleaning the toilet, washing dishes, laundry, bathing, and more. A few hours with no running water or clogged drains can be a serious problem for a household. Getting caught off guard with plumbing issues will cause you so much stress. This residential plumbing guide will provide you with basic tips to resolve or prevent some plumbing problems in your home.
Do a routinary inspection of exposed pipes for signs of wear and tear that causes leaking. You can rub a compound stick for tiny leaks in pipes. A compound stick is available at most hardware stores.
Avoid planting trees near the sewer lines because the roots can be a source of damage. We also suggest periodically snake the lines. If the roots have seriously damaged your sewer lines, let an experienced master plumber fix the problem. Do not fix it on your own as you may also damage other plumbing systems and will lead to civil lawsuits.
Remember that clogs of today are the result of yesterday’s mistake. Keep debris from drains and be watchful of what goes down. Educate your household with proper plumbing maintenance. Set up house rules like what to flush and what not flush on the toilet.
Avoid the corrosive pipe cleaning solution as it can lessen the pipe’s longevity. Go for an enzyme-based cleaner that introduces bacteria into the plumbing. The bacteria do the natural break down of clog into a liquid to expel it easily. The bacteria do the job naturally without destroying the pipes.
Since water expands as it freezes, it causes the pipe to explode. We advise you to insulate your pipes in the winter. This is often neglected by many people causing the pipes to get broken each year.
Good residential plumbing plays a healthy role in maintaining cleanliness in a home. A not well maintained residential plumbing may result in sanitary issues that can harm your family’s health. We hope that these residential plumbing guide tips will help you in resolving basic plumbing issues. If you want to know more about our service, please feel free to contact us today. Photo Credits: Pixabay, Canva
Plumbing is an unseen but critical part of your home. This complex network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances works to remove waste and deliver clean water, helping you to meet your daily needs and keep your home functional.
Whether you’re building a new house or maintaining an existing one, taking time to understand your home’s plumbing system can help you make key decisions and spot potential issues. Our guide breaks down the essentials of residential plumbing, including the basic components plus advanced technologies and best practices.
Your home’s plumbing system is composed of three main systems: the supply line network, the drainage system, and the venting system. Each plays a crucial role in keeping water running in and out of your home.
The supply line network brings clean water into your home from the municipal water supply or a private well. This system operates under pressure to deliver water to all of the different fixtures and appliances throughout your house. It ensures that multiple fixtures can function simultaneously, maintaining sufficient water flow and pressure throughout the home.
The drainage system carries wastewater and sewage away from your house. Unlike supply lines, drain pipes rely on gravity to move water. These pipes are larger in diameter and are typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic in modern homes, though older homes may have cast iron drains.
Because the drain system relies on gravity, drain pipes usually must be sloped. Generally, drain pipes should have a slope of one-quarter of an inch per foot to facilitate the proper flow of wastewater. This slope helps prevent clogs and ensures that waste materials move smoothly through the pipes toward the main sewer line or septic system.
Villa Park PlumberVent pipes allow air to enter the drainage system, preventing vacuums from forming that could slow or stop water from flowing down your drain lines. Proper venting ensures that each fixture has its own air supply, which you need to prevent losing water seals in plumbing traps under your sinks and toilets, preventing sewer gases from entering your home.
As This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains, “When you pull the plug on a bathtub, you’ve got 40 gallons of water that wants to scream down that pipe. If there’s a vacuum, it can pull the water out of all the traps in the house.”
Pipes are the highways of your plumbing system, carrying water to and from fixtures. Fittings connect pipes, change direction, or adapt pipe sizes. Common materials for pipes include copper, PVC, PEX, and ABS. Each material has specific fittings designed to ensure secure, leak-proof connections.
Fixtures are the end-points of your plumbing system—think sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines also connect to your plumbing. Modern fixtures often incorporate water-saving features to promote conservation. For example, dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce water usage without compromising performance.
Valves control water flow within your plumbing system. The main shutoff valve can stop water flow to the entire house, while individual fixture shutoffs allow for isolated repairs. “Individual shutoffs allow you to quickly isolate a problem without cutting the water supply to the rest of your house,” says Tretheway. Your system needs this ability to control water flow at various points so you can perform maintenance and repairs without disrupting the entire household.
Both PVC and ABS are popular choices for drain pipes. PVC is more flexible, while ABS is more impact-resistant. The choice often depends on local codes and personal preference, as both perform well in residential applications.
Copper has been popular for water supply lines for decades due to its durability and natural antimicrobial properties. However, PEX has gained popularity for its flexibility, ease of installation, and freeze-resistance. PEX is often less expensive than copper and can be a good choice for new construction or repiping projects. PEX’s flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls and around obstacles without the need for multiple fittings, reducing potential leak points.
While less common in modern construction, cast iron still has its place in plumbing. It’s excellent for reducing plumbing noise in vertical drain stacks and is often required in commercial buildings. In residential settings, cast iron might be used for main sewer lines or in situations where you want extra durability or sound dampening. Its robust nature can handle heavy usage and resist damage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or where long-term performance is a priority.
Grouping fixtures and appliances that use water can significantly reduce the amount of piping needed and improve efficiency. For example, placing the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms close to each other or stacked in multi-story homes can minimize pipe runs and reduce heat loss in hot water lines. This placement also simplifies the overall plumbing layout, reducing complexity and cost.
Shorter pipe runs not only save on material costs but also improve water pressure and reduce heat loss in hot water lines. When planning your layout, aim to create the most direct routes possible between the water heater and fixtures, while still allowing for proper slope in drain lines. This approach ensures that water is delivered rapidly and efficiently, enhancing the overall performance of the plumbing system.
Planning for future expansions can save significant time and money if you decide to renovate or add to your home later. Having foresight in the early stages of design allows for easier integration of new fixtures and systems without the need for extensive rework.
Pipes need to be properly supported to prevent sagging, which can lead to poor drainage or stress on joints. Use appropriate hangers and straps, spacing them according to local codes and manufacturer recommendations. Tretheway notes, “Supply pipes that aren’t anchored every six feet or so will rattle and thump every time a faucet is turned off.” Proper support ensures that pipes remain stable and secure, reducing the risk of leaks or damage.
Cleanouts provide access points for clearing clogs and inspecting pipes. Install cleanouts at key locations, such as where the main drain exits the house, at the base of vertical stacks, and where drain lines change direction. Check that cleanouts are easily accessible for future maintenance. Having these access points makes it easier to perform routine maintenance and address issues without extensive disassembly of the plumbing system.
Insulating hot water pipes reduces heat loss, saving energy and allowing you to lower your water heater temperature. In cold climates, insulating both hot and cold water pipes can prevent freezing. Use appropriate insulation materials and ensure all exposed pipes are covered, especially in unheated areas. Proper insulation not only enhances energy efficiency but also protects against potential damage from temperature extremes.
Drain lines require a proper slope to function correctly. Too little slope can lead to standing water and clogs, while too much slope can cause water to outrun solid waste. The general rule is a one-quarter inch drop per foot of horizontal run for drain pipes three inches or larger in diameter. Having the correct slope helps maintain an efficient flow of wastewater, reducing the risk of blockages and backups.
While it’s sometimes necessary to connect different types of pipes, improper connections can lead to leaks or system failure. Always use the correct fittings and methods when transitioning between materials, such as copper to PEX or PVC to ABS. Using the appropriate transition fittings and adhering to best practices helps maintain the integrity of the plumbing system and prevents leaks.
