Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to take care of common problems will help you realize when the issue is more complicated 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 successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is not too difficult to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other objects in the way.

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

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a much larger issue 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 materials can accumulate in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your residence.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to force the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is achieved by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, check where your drain vent exits 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 another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Narvon to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is innocuous and can often clear up on its own. It might be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Odds are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect 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 prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to remove any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

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

Here are a few of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can quickly escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: After a while, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a sufficient seal. If you observe 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 wear out over time, resulting in weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's important to examine the drain for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most common reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment builds up. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be stained from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from work on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to tell them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Narvon can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One way to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you may need a plumbing snake—a long, thin section of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.