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

With the correct tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve common problems will help you know 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 common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

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 take place 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 generating the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away crud from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other barriers.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone a seasoned plumber in Reinholds. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a larger 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 materials 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 creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 come out of your home.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to move the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate 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 underneath your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket below the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and extract any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and wash it out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, check where your drain vent comes out of 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 want to get in touch with a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Reinholds to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Quite often, 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 could be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Chances are the air bubbles will escape 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 your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. 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 washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to clear away any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to contact 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 beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. At times, 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 resolve them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed right 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 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 required.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is quite 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.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's essential to examine the drain for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which may 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 declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to let them know about the discoloration. They should be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Reinholds can help you establish if the discoloration is coming 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 common cause 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 blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

  • Plunger: One method to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no 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 have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. 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.