Kitchen problems at home: common questions

Sinks, drains and leaks

Most kitchen sink problems start with what goes down the plughole. For the hands-on method, see how to unclog a kitchen sink.

Where do blockages usually start?

In the trap and first stretch of pipe under the basin. Grease hardens there as it cools, then catches rice and coffee grounds. A strainer over the plughole stops most of it, as long as you empty it into the bin rather than tapping it into the sink.

When should I stop and call a plumber?

Call one when plunging has not helped, when water rises out of the floor trap as the sink drains, or when the same choke returns within days. Those signs point to a blockage further along the pipe, which needs proper tools rather than more force from above.

Can a kitchen leak reach the flat below?

Yes, which is why HDB's guide to preventing ceiling leaks includes kitchen tips. Kitchen tiles in HDB flats have no waterproofing membrane under them, so HDB asks you to mop rather than wash the floor. It also asks you to use a sink strainer and keep food waste out of the sink.

Smells and damp cabinets

Why does my kitchen sink smell?

Usually because food and grease are rotting in the trap or along the pipe walls. A trap that has dried out while you were away can also let drain air through, and running the tap refills it. The guide to kitchen sink smell covers each fix in turn.

Why is the cabinet under the sink damp?

A slow drip is the usual cause. Check the joints of the waste pipe, the tap's flexible hoses and the sealant line where the sink meets the counter. Dry everything, lay a sheet of paper towel on the cabinet base and look again the next day. A wet spot shows where to point the plumber.

Hood, hob and gas

How do I deal with a greasy hood?

Clean the filters before grease turns dark and sticky. Most metal filters lift out and can soak in hot soapy water. If you use a degreaser, keep the kitchen ventilated and follow the label. Never mix bleach with acid-based cleaners or ammonia. For the full method, see how to clean the kitchen hood.

Is induction easier to live with than gas?

For cleaning, often yes: a flat glass surface wipes down quickly, with no burners or grates to scrub. Induction needs pans with a magnetic base, and switching from gas may need a new power point, which is electrical work (see the next section).

What should I do if I smell gas?

Treat it as an emergency, not a repair job. Do not try to trace, tighten or fix anything on the gas line or hob yourself. Open our guide gas leak: what to do and follow it straight away. Bookmark it now.

Power trips in the kitchen

Why does the power trip when the kettle and oven run together?

Two heating appliances on one socket or one circuit can draw more current than it is designed for, so a breaker cuts the supply. Give each heavy appliance its own wall socket and avoid multi-plug adaptors for them. If it still trips with the load spread out, have a Licensed Electrician check the circuit.

What should I do when the RCCB trips?

Unplug the appliances first, then read the safety note below. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says all residential premises must have an RCCB or ELCB with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. HDB flats built before 1985 came without one unless the owner installed it later, and owners without one should engage a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).

Once everything is dry and unplugged, a practical step is to reset the tripped switch once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a Licensed Electrician. To check the trip switch itself, see how to test your RCCB.

Planning a new hob or oven point? EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. Elsewhere, EMA says wiring work at home should be carried out or supervised by an LEW.

Ants and cockroaches

How do I keep ants off the counter?

Take away what draws them: crumbs, sticky jar rims, pet bowls and fruit left out overnight. Store sugar, biscuits and cereal in airtight containers, wipe the counter at night, and take the rubbish out daily. For persistent trails, see our guide to ants in the kitchen.

How can I tell if I have cockroaches?

Look for droppings, egg cases, an odorous smell and live cockroaches. These are the signs the National Environment Agency (NEA) lists in its guidelines on preventing cockroach infestations, written for food establishments but just as useful at home. Check behind the fridge, under the sink and around the hood, where it stays dark and warm.

Which trade to call for kitchen problems in HDB flats

If you are unsure which trade to call, kitchen jobs split roughly as below. Quotes depend on the job. For anything not listed, try what service do I need.

Questions