Keep Your Kitchen Sink Running Smoothly with the Right Plumbing Materials

Kitchen plumbing fixes are often easier than bathroom repairs. There’s likely only a sink to contend with, and the pipes and drain are easily accessible. Food and grease can clog your kitchen sink, so you’ll want to have a pipe wrench on hand to loosen up the p-trap and clear the blockage. If the drainpipes are cracked or damaged, you’ll need to replace them along with the pipe fittings. Replacing your under sink plumbing also offers an opportunity to install a garburator or garbage disposal.

Your kitchen faucet can wear out over time, but take care to use the right replacement faucet cartridges and faucet aerators for your model. All-purpose plumbing repair kits are available that include assorted beveled and flat faucet washers, slip joint washers, hose washers, trap washers, bibb screws and ballcock washers. Leaky pipes should be addressed immediately, so keep some plumbing repair supplies in your toolbox. You should have hose clamps, plumber’s tape, plumber’s putty, joint compound and pipe cement. Be sure to turn off the water shutoff valve before starting any repair. If you’re not sure how to proceed, it’s probably best to call a plumber.