Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the right 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 know 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 sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re hearing 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is not too difficult to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other barriers.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Florissant and St. Charles. They can help identify the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a more severe 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 junk 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 damaged, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might keep 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 force the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to flow 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 have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble 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 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 overenthusiastic bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Florissant and St. Charles to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually innocuous and can often clear up 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 find out if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. Chances are the air bubbles will dissipate 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 check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals collect until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to clear away any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might 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 usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are some of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component 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: Over time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a sufficient seal. If you observe 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 out over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most widespread reason for 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 show up when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining or there are high 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to let them know about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Florissant and St. Charles 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 Slower Than It Used to?

The most common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely suspects for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One way to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there isn't any 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 have to use 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 called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market break up 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.