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Archive for the ‘kitchen’ category

New Disposal Backing Up

March 27th, 2010

I have a new garbage disposal. When it runs, water comes up in the other sink. I have looked at your websites and read your book, but have not found the answer.

Answer:

Installation could be an issue here. Ideally, the disposal and the other sink basin will have a separate trap that is connected with a “Y” into the drain line in the wall.

In some cases, a disposal will be installed with a “T” to the tail piece of the adjacent sink (see illustration). With this installation, water can be pushed up into the adjacent sink. You can buy a special “T” for this connection to direct the water down, but it’s still a questionable installation.

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Posted in garbage disposal, kitchen, plumbing

Water Coming Out of the Dishwasher Air Gap

February 10th, 2010

When the dishwasher is discharging water, a lot of water floods out of the air gap. Why does this happen? Thank you! I love your Saturday AM show!

Answer:

The air gap is just that – a gap of air in the dishwasher drain line so dirty water can not be forced up out of the sink and into the dishwasher. When the gap leaks, it is normally due to a kink or blockage in the tube from the air gap to the tail piece (drain line) below the sink. The gap may need to be cleaned, or the drain line below the sink may be plugged.

Pull the cover off the air gap and check for debris blocking the opening. Check the line for kinks or blockage, and check the drain line itself.

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Posted in kitchen, plumbing

Sealing Space Between Kitchen Cabinets

January 16th, 2010

Question:

My brother-in-law and I installed new kitchen cabinets last spring. Everything turned out great, except for one oversight. A few wall cabinets have dead space in between them, and they are open at the bottom. It’s allowing outside air to come through the bottom of the cabinets. What kind of insulation might you recommend to fill these cavities? Would fiberglass be safe to use?

Tony

Answer:

I assume you do not have solid drywall at the top of the cabinets to the attic and this is allowing air movement. You can seal the gap with anything that’s solid – drywall, wood, metal, or plastic. Fiberglass or insulation will not stop air movement.

You should also have a complete air seal from the heated space to the attic. In fact, you must have an air seal to prevent heat loss and moisture damage into the attic.