Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

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

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is not too difficult to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove crud from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in The Bay Area. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be a result of a much 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, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit 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 get leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your home.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move 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 methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve 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 achieved by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve 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 exits your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an overly ambitious bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with an experienced professional for plumbing repair in The Bay Area to make sure there isn’t a bigger 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 harmless and can often go away on its own. It might be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Chances are the air bubbles will go away 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 talk to 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 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 ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to clear away any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from 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 directly below a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are several of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can fix 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 right 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 satisfactory seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is needed.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to search for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's crucial to look for any signs 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 high levels of iron in the water, which might 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 declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to notify them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in The Bay Area can help you establish if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up 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 clog in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One option to help you clear away a partial clog is using a plunger. If there isn't 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 work, 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 referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers are available to break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.