Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling 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 know-how, it's easy to successfully repair common 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 noticing a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be an indication 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is not too difficult to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out buildup from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Omaha. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a bigger issue with your plumbing system.

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

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other items 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 busted, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog 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 leave your residence.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push 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 run through. Other methods are to try 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 below your sink. This is achieved by taking apart the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, 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 overly ambitious bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Omaha to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

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

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is usually innocuous and can often disappear 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 check if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Chances are the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be due to 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 be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to consult a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are a few 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 a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can easily 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 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 down over time, causing deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to keep an eye out 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 dripping from the seal. It's important to examine the drain for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most commonly encountered cause of 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 builds up. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be discolored 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 tell them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Omaha 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 improve the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue 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 you don't see any standing water in the sink, fill it 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 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 pull it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.