Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the right tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve common problems will help you tell 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 info, it's easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be an indication 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 problem is not too difficult to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be causing the gurgling noise.

• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clear away particles from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to contact an experienced plumber in Warrenton. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a more severe problem with your plumbing system.

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

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Over time, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk can accumulate 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 making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.

• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which prevent it from draining properly.

• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage 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 home.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other methods are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is done by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, look at 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 overenthusiastic bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to contact a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Warrenton to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign and can often clear up on its own. It can 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. Chances are the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a persistent problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to remove any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to seek advice from a skilled plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

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

Here are a few of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can fix 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 correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can simply 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 satisfactory seal. If you notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is required.

• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to look for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.

• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's crucial to examine the drain for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can 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 failing or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Warrenton 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles 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 you don't see any 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 try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin section of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can pull it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.

• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers are available to 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.