Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound scary, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, many of them can be fixed with just a few simple steps.

With the right tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve common problems will help you realize when the issue is more involved and best solved by a professional.

So, don't let a clogged drain or a leaky faucet get you down—with the right expertise, it's easy to sort out ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can happen if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away buildup from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other barriers.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to contact a seasoned plumber in Reinholds. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a larger problem with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won’t drain:

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk can build up in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your house.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other techniques are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, look at where your drain vent extrudes from your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an overly ambitious bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Reinholds to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally harmless and can often go away on its own. It may be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Chances are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can stop hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are some of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can quickly escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: Over the years, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a satisfactory seal. If you discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to search for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's important to always check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment accumulates. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is failing or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you purchase your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to inform them of the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Reinholds can help you figure out if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may improve the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most commonly encountered explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely suspects for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One method to remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, fill it with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, you may need a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can extract it manually. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers being sold today break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.