The kitchen is the heart of the home where you prepare meals and brew coffee, and everyone comes together after a long day, and the dishes pile up faster than we’d like. But while we’re busy cooking and cleaning, our kitchen plumbing works overtime, quietly doing its job until suddenly it doesn’t.

At ABA Plumbing & Gas, we are Adelaide’s residential plumber and have seen how small plumbing issues in the kitchen can easily turn into major headaches – leaky taps, clogged drains, burst pipes and faulty dishwashers don’t just disrupt your routine – they can lead to costly repairs and water damage, if ignored. The good news? With a little maintenance you can keep your kitchen plumbing running smoothly and avoid unexpected disasters.

Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your kitchen plumbing in top shape!

1. Be Kind to Your Kitchen Sink
Your sink handles a lot. From greasy pans, food scraps, coffee grounds, and the occasional mystery object that disappears down the drain – but not everything belongs in there!

Avoid These Common Sink Blockers:

•   Grease & Cooking Oils: These solidify in pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. Instead, pour used oil into a container and toss it in the bin.
•   Coffee Grounds: These clump together and create sludge-like blockages. Compost them instead!
•   Eggshells & Food Scraps: Even with garbage disposal, small particles can build up over time.

Quick Tip: Run hot water and dish soap down the drain weekly to break down grease buildup and keep things flowing.

2.  Prevent Clogged Drains Before They Happen
   A slow-draining sink is frustrating—and a warning sign that a blockage is forming. If left unchecked, it can lead to a full-blown clog (and an emergency plumber call).
   
   DIY Drain Care Tips:

•   Catch food scraps before they go down the drain with a drain strainer. Flush with boiling water once a week to help dissolve minor grease and soap buildup.
•   Try using a natural drain cleaner: Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it sit, and then rinse with hot water. It’s a gentle way to clear minor clogs!
•   Warning: Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they will eventually destroy your pipes. If the drain is completely clogged, call in a professional to properly fix the problem.

3. Check for Leaks Before They Cost You
   A small, unnoticed leak can waste hundreds of litres of water and drive up your water bill. Worse, it can lead to mould, water damage, and costly repairs.
   
   Signs You Might Have a Leak:

•   Water pooling under the sink
•   A musty smell in your kitchen cabinets
•   Damp or warped cabinetry
•   Unexplained increase in your water bill
•   Quick Fix: Tighten loose connections under the sink and check your pipes regularly for any drips. If you notice persistent leaks, call a plumber before the problem gets worse!

4. Take Care of Your Dishwasher
   Your dishwasher is a kitchen MVP, but it needs a little maintenance to stay in top working condition.
   
   Keep It Running Smoothly By:

•   Cleaning the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher on a regular basis to prevent food buildup.
•   Running a vinegar rinse every month to break down grease and mineral deposits.
•   Checking for any leaks or poor drainage that indicates your dishwasher could be building up blockages.
•   Tip: If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, there may be a blockage in the drain hose or the kitchen sink. A quick call to a plumber can prevent bigger issues down the track!
  

Expert Adelaide Plumber at ABA Plumbing & Gas

You can rely on ABA Plumbing & Gas next time you need a blocked drain plumber or need quick kitchen plumbing assistance. Our Adelaide kitchen plumber will come equipped with the right tools, equipment, and latest technology to understand the true cause of your home’s plumbing problems. Whether it’s a small clog or a severe drain issue needing emergency assistance, we can find and fix the problem quickly and safely. Contact our expert Adelaide plumbers today!