Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound scary, but the truth is they’re common problems in many homes. In fact, lots of them can be repaired with just a few painless steps.
With the correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve common problems will help you tell 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 know-how, it's easy to successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues and how you can take care of them.
1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
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 problem is simple to correct:
- First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sounds.
- If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to remove 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 difficulties, it may be best to call a qualified plumber in Omaha. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a larger issue 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 materials can accumulate in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
- Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
- Debris 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: A blockage 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 residence.
To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction 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 run through. Other techniques are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.
Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and retrieve 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 doesn’t work, inspect 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 misguided 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 Omaha to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?
Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is normally innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It might be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.
One way to check if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. It’s likely that the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to consult a professional for assistance.
The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect until they alter 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 harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water becomes a stubborn problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a skilled plumber and let them work toward a solution.
4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?
The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.
Here are some of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is because 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 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 an adequate seal. If you observe 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 wear out over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
- Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's crucial to check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.
5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?
The most common cause of 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 appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is failing or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.
In some cases, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service 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 should be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.
A knowledgeable plumber in Omaha can help you figure out 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 explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps 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 option to help you remove a partial clog is using 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 get the job done, 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers on the market break up blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.