Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy common problems will help you know when the issue is more involved 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 successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing problems and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be an indication 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is not too difficult to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away particles 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 difficulties, it may be best to phone a seasoned plumber in Manassas. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a larger problem 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 junk can build up 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 enable 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 escape your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your home.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other techniques 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 accomplished by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, inspect 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Manassas to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign 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 check if cloudy water is caused 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 dissipate and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals build up until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can counter hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a persistent problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a certified plumber and let them find 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 failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are a few of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most frequent 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 time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is particularly 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.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's essential to always check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which could 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 declining or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be stained from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from work on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Manassas can help you confirm if the discoloration is 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 Slower Than It Used to?

The most commonly encountered reason 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 way to eliminate a partial clog is using a plunger. If you don't see 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.