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

With the proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to take care of 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 info, it's easy to fix ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be the result of 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is simple to solve:

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

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to call a seasoned plumber in Shamokin and Sunbury. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a more severe concern 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 collect in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
  • Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
  • Debris in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which stop it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

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

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also search 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 cleaning out the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, look at 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 skilled 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. This is normally innocuous and can often clear up on its own. It may be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby 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 countertop. Chances are 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 predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a reoccuring 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 buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a professional 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 directly below a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog obstructing 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 likely causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed right in its fitting, water can quickly 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 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 necessary.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to weakening and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to look for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's crucial to check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment accumulates. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, 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 buy 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 work on the water lines.

An experienced 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 common reason 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 scraps 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 remove a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill 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 work, you may have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin section 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 up blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.