Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the right tools and information, 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 know 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 common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from 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 problem is relatively easy to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sounds.
• 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 search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Sussex County. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won’t My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be an indicator of a 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 items can accumulate in the pipes, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
• Debris in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

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

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble 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 work, 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 misguided bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Sussex County to make sure there isn’t a more substantial 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 benign and can often clear up on its own. It may 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 countertop. It’s likely that the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals collect 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 damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

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

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

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

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

• Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a drip 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 right 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 satisfactory seal. If you discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it’s important to check for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start seeping from the seal. It’s essential to check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

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

Sometimes, 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 buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Sussex County 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 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 buildup are likely culprits 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 way to clear away a partial clog is using 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 loosen the blockage and dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you may try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can extract it manually. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers are available to dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.