Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the correct tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy 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 sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by 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 issue is simple to solve:

• 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 clear away particles from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in Port Clinton. They can help identify the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a much 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 items can collect in the pipes, causing 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.
• Debris 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: A clog 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 come out of 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 retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other strategies 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 look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is done by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out 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 clear the blockage, look at 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Port Clinton 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 caused by air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often disappear on its own. It can 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 was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. It’s likely that the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually 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 cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals accumulate until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is 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 remove any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to consult a professional plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has worn out 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 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 component has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed right in its fitting, water can easily 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 satisfactory seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible 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 check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged 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 restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

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

Sometimes, 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 get your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Port Clinton 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 Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most common reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons 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 method to clear away a partial clog is to use 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 try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, you may need a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers are available to break down blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.