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, many of them can be repaired with just a few easy steps.

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve common problems will help you tell when the issue is more complex 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 fix straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of 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 situation is simple to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Lastly, 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 contact an experienced plumber in Smyrna. 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 a result of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a larger problem with your plumbing system.

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

• Blocked or clogged pipes: As time passes, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk can collect 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 allow the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get 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 exit your residence.

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 move through. Other techniques are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and flush it 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 overenthusiastic bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Smyrna to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally harmless and can often disappear on its own. It might be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by 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 escape and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to consult 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 accumulate until they impact 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 is a stubborn problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact 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 broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are several of the more typical 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 a result 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 simply escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: Over time, 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, there's a good chance that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, resulting in deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to search 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 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 Water Rust-Colored?

The most widespread factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is faltering or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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, get in touch with them to notify them 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 Smyrna can help you figure out if the discoloration is originating 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 commonly encountered explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles and grease—along with soap scum—often are at fault for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One method to clear away a partial clog is to use 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 work, 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 called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.