Kitchen Sink Extractor Not Working: Causes & Fixes

That gurgling sound from your kitchen sink is getting louder, and the water’s taking forever to drain. You’ve got a sink extractor problem on your hands, and it’s starting to affect your daily kitchen routine. The dirty water pooling in your sink signals something’s wrong with your sink extractor.

Many sink extractor issues can be fixed right at home without spending money on expensive plumbing services. Here’s what might be causing your sink extractor troubles, plus some practical solutions that’ll get your sink flowing smoothly again.

Kitchen Sink Extractor Not Working: Common Causes

Let’s pinpoint exactly what’s making your sink extractor malfunction. These are the most frequent culprits behind a non-working sink extractor.

1. Clogged Waste Pipe

The waste pipe connects your sink to the main drainage system. Food particles, grease, and other kitchen debris can build up over time, creating a stubborn blockage that prevents proper drainage. You might notice slow draining or strange noises during water flow.

2. Damaged Seals

Rubber seals around the extractor unit keep water flowing correctly. These seals naturally wear down over time, leading to leaks and reduced suction power. Bad seals often cause water to leak underneath the sink or create unusual sounds during operation.

3. Faulty Motor

The extractor motor powers the whole system. Motors can burn out from overuse, age, or electrical problems. A failed motor usually means your extractor won’t make any sound when switched on, or you might hear a humming noise without any actual operation.

4. Jammed Impeller

The impeller is the spinning part that pushes water through the system. Small objects like bottle caps or utensils can get stuck in the impeller, stopping it from turning properly. This often creates a buzzing sound during operation attempts.

5. Blocked Air Gap

An air gap helps stop contaminated water from flowing back into your sink. This part can get blocked by debris or mineral buildup, causing the extractor to lose efficiency or stop working completely.

Kitchen Sink Extractor and woman drying her hands

Kitchen Sink Extractor Not Working: How to Fix

Here are proven solutions to get your sink extractor back in working order. Start with the simplest fixes first – you might save yourself some time and effort.

1. Clear the Waste Pipe

Pull out visible debris from the drain cover. Pour a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution down the drain. For tough clogs, use a plumber’s snake or drain auger to break up the blockage. Push the snake through the pipe until you feel resistance, then turn the handle to break up the clog.

2. Replace Worn Seals

Switch off the water supply and power to the extractor. Pull the unit from under the sink and check all rubber seals for signs of wear or damage. Put new seals of the same size and type where needed. Make sure they’re properly seated before putting the unit back together.

3. Reset or Replace the Motor

Look for the reset button on your extractor unit – it’s usually a small red or black button on the bottom. Press it firmly and wait 30 seconds before testing the unit again. If resetting doesn’t work, and your unit makes unusual noises, you’ll need professional help to replace the motor.

4. Clean the Impeller

Cut power to the unit. Take off the cover plate to access the impeller chamber. Look for objects caught in the blades. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any debris. Spin the impeller by hand to check it moves freely before reassembly.

5. Clear the Air Gap

Find the air gap (usually a small cylinder on top of the sink). Unscrew the cover and clean out any buildup using a small brush or pipe cleaner. Flush with clean water to remove all debris. Put the cover back on tightly.

If these fixes don’t solve your sink extractor problems, call a licensed plumber. They have special tools and skills to diagnose and repair trickier issues safely and effectively.

Summing Up

A broken sink extractor doesn’t always mean an expensive repair bill. With some basic tools and careful attention to safety, you can often fix common problems yourself. Quick action on small issues helps prevent bigger problems later.

Your sink extractor will work better if you watch what goes down the drain. Using drain strainers and running hot water regularly through the system stops many common issues before they start.

FAQs

How often should sink extractors be maintained?

Clean your sink extractor monthly with hot water and cleaning solution to stop buildup. Look at seals and connections every six months for signs of wear.

Why does my sink extractor make loud noises?

Loud grinding or buzzing usually points to a jammed impeller or failing motor. Look for trapped objects first, then get professional help if noise continues.

Can chemical drain cleaners damage my sink extractor?

Strong chemical cleaners can eat away at seals and metal parts over time. Use enzyme-based cleaners or natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar instead.

What’s the average lifespan of a sink extractor?

Good quality sink extractors last 8-12 years if maintained well. Regular cleaning and quick repairs can make them last longer.

Should the sink extractor run continuously or in short bursts?

Use your extractor in short bursts of 15-20 seconds to keep the motor from overheating. Give it brief cooling breaks between uses during big kitchen cleanups.