Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the right tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to take care of common problems will help you tell 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 common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can happen if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away 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 objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in Shamokin and Sunbury. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink isn't draining, in most cases that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a much larger 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 junk can collect 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 creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
• Debris 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 blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to push the clog through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket under the bend. Then, dismantle 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, 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 overly ambitious bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Shamokin and Sunbury to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

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

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often clear up on its own. It can be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby 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 go away and the water will eventually go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up 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 counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a reoccuring 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 probably will want to seek advice from a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are a few of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed right 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 a satisfactory seal. If you discover 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, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to search for any warning signs 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 essential to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most widespread factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment builds up. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining 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 work on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Shamokin and Sunbury can help you confirm if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 eliminate 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 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 on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.