Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the right tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling 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 info, it's easy to fix ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be the result of 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 not too difficult to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other barriers.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone a seasoned plumber in Cottonwood & Verde Valley. They can help determine the reason you are having the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it also can be a result of a more severe issue 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 accumulate in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow 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: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might prevent 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, think about using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down 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 under your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, look at 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 overly ambitious bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Cottonwood & Verde Valley to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

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

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is normally innocuous and can often clear up 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 is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Odds are 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 talk to a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals collect until they affect 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 producing 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 solution to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are some of the more commonly seen 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 due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed right in its fitting, water can simply 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 sufficient seal. If you notice 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 down over time, causing weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to look 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 important to examine the drain for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

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

In some cases, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service 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 be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Cottonwood & Verde Valley can help you figure out 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 Slow?

The most widespread cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible 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 with a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, allow it to fill with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you may try using 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: Many chemical clog removers on the market break down 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.