Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to remedy 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 info, it’s easy to fix straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

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

Fortunately, this situation is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away buildup 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 qualified plumber in Fredericksburg. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a much larger concern 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 build up in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable 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 form leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force the clog through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to remove hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn’t effective, 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Fredericksburg to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often go away on its own. It can be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. 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 problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is 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 clear away any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to consult a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are a few of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve 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 properly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can easily 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 see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it’s important to check for any indications 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 important to check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting 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 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 elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from work on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Fredericksburg can help you establish if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most common reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue 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 eliminate a partial clog is using a plunger. If you don’t see any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, you may try using 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 on the market break down 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.