Easy Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Sink in Top Shape

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we're going to share some of our insider knowledge. With these following maintenance tips for your kitchen sink, you'll help your kitchen sink work better, and for longer. If you're looking for a plumber in Ellenton, FL to handle some deeper plumbing work, then call Mr. Rooter to hire a uniformed professional.

• Keep It Clean (The Right Way)

You’d think cleaning the sink is obvious that why even mention it - it’s where the soap and water go, after all, right? Take a look at hidden corners and around the drain, and you might get another story. If it's been a while since deep cleaning, then you'll probably see grime that's tough to get out.

Once you've got a clean slate, get in the habit of rinsing your sink with hot water after each use to flush away debris. At the end of the day, scrub it lightly with a soft sponge and a gentle cleaner. Baking soda and vinegar make a great natural combo! Small touch ups daily is always more enjoyable than a messy, deep cleaning.

• Don’t Treat the Drain Like a Trash Can

We can't stress this enough. It’s tempting to rinse everything down the drain - it’s fast, it’s convenient, and it’s out of sight - but your pipes can only take so much. They're typically only a couple of inches in diameter, and they can clog easily.

Even things that you THINK are safe could be things that are harming your plumbing. For example:

• Never pour grease, oil, or fat down the sink. When these cool, they solidify and cling to the inside of your pipes. Over time, other debris sticks to this grime and the clog grows.
• The same idea goes for coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and fibrous foods like celery or potato peels. This are likely to get stuck in the pipes and cause a blockage.
• Beware the chemical drain cleaners! They're marketed as convenient and safe, but on what materials? Harsh chemicals can corrode some types of piping.

We can all be forgetful and accidentally toss something into the sink. This is why Mr. Rooter's recommends the tried-and-true drain strainer. Use a drain strainer to catch stray bits of food, and empty it regularly. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent an accidental blockage.

• Check for Leaks Early and Often

We all know that water leaks are wasteful, dangerous, and costly - and you'd call for a plumbing repair service if you ever noticed a leak... but the trick is in finding leaks. Pipes are usually buried behind walls and underground. So, how do you know whether there's a leak?

Well, this is exactly why it is always advisable to schedule annual plumbing inspections. There are things that you can do, too:

• Check under sinks for moisture, dripping, or mold growth.
• Watch out for water stains and discoloration on walls and ceilings.
• See if there's warping on wallpaper and peeling on any paint.
• Compare your water bills to previous months; note any spikes.

Leaks are like dental cavities; they're easy to fix early, and expensive to ignore. Plus, companies like Mr. Rooter Plumbing offer upfront price quotes.

• Know When to Call in the Pros

Plumbing issues can sneak up on you even after the best care. If your sink drains slowly, drains back up, or the house starts to smell like sewage, then it’s time to bring in the trained professionals. These are usually signs that something deeper is going on inside the pipes.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is proud to offer emergency faucet & kitchen sink repair in the Sarasota, FL area. Our live representatives are on standby to take your call or message today.