The kitchen is one of the busiest places in your house and has loads of plumbing pieces and appliances. Unfortunately, that means it is also at risk of multiple plumbing problems. Hot and cold water, the refrigerator with the ice machine, the dishwasher, and garbage disposal are all susceptible to wear and tear and clogging. Learning how to recognize a problem before it turns into a major issue can help you save time, money, and stop damage before it begins.

Here are 5 common kitchen plumbing problems and the solutions:

1. Low Water Pressure

Clogged aerators in the kitchen sink will cause a weak stream of water, or low water pressure. This happens when minerals in the water, like calcium, start to clog the tiny holes in the aerator. The harder the water, the more chances this can happen. To solve this problem, you simply unscrew the faucet, remove the aerator, and place it in a small container of white vinegar for about 6 hours to dissolve the minerals away. Wash it off before reinstalling in the aerator. You should have no issues after that, but if you do, it could mean that the water lines are kinked or clog or there is another issue with the piping. In that case, call a professional plumber of the next step.

2. Garbage Disposal Problems

Most garburator troubles can be fixed effortlessly. First, you need to realize that the garbage disposal isn’t meant for anything hard, like metals, rubber, bones, glass, or husks. Other slimy or sticky solids can also affect the blades. If something is trapped, never stick your hand in. Instead, use pliers or tongs to remove the item. Is sludge the problem? Fill the garburator with ice cubes and rock salt then run it for several seconds to remove the build-up. If you think the issue is electrical, call an electrician. Any other problems that cannot be solved require a professional plumber.

3. Slow Draining Sink

A slowly draining sink is a problem that can plague both the bathroom and the kitchen. Overtime, anything that is washed down the drain, whether it is bits of food scraps, soap, oil, or something else, will start to build up. The debris congests the flow of water, eventually causing a clog. If you start to notice your sink draining slowly, you can take a plumbing snake to break up the debris and push it farther down the pipe. Never use drain cleaner solutions, because the chemicals can damage the pipes.

4. Noisy Dishwasher

Any strange noises from the dishwasher is typically caused by faulty pieces. However, it could also be something as simple as dishes being loaded in the wrong place. Check for hard debris that might be moving around during the washing sequence, like bits of bone. If you hear the noise during the filling sequence, it could be the inlet valve. You will need to have a professional repair it.

5. Faucet Woes

We already mentioned low water pressure, but other faucet-related troubles can occur. Usually, anything like leaks or bizarre sounds require a plumbing pro, but that doesn’t mean you can’t check out what is happening for yourself. The more you can tell the plumber when you call, the quicker the issue can be resolved. So, check where leaks are coming from. For instance, if the water is seeping out of the base, it might be an O-ring issue.

Certain kitchen problems don’t require a phone call to a pro, but some problems need a plumber’s touch. Now that you know about common kitchen problems, you are better prepared for them whenever they occur. A quick fix might be all you need to get on with your day.