Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound frightening, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, plenty of them can be solved with just a few easy steps.
With the proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, knowing 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 know-how, it's easy to successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.
1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
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 blocked or disconnected.
Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to fix:
- First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
- If a plunger isn't effective, 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 check for any other barriers.
If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in West Jefferson. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by 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 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 damaged, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
- Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath 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 escape your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your home.
To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider 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 have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.
If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, inspect where your drain vent extrudes from 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 contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in West Jefferson to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?
Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often disappear on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by 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. Odds are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem 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 accumulate until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can stop hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out 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 diagnose the problem and 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 worn out or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.
Here are a few of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a drip underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component 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 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 possible that a new washer is needed.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to search 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 leaking from the seal. It's important to examine the drain for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.
5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?
The most commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can 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 repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.
A knowledgeable plumber in West Jefferson can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.
6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?
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 option to help you remove 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 try to dislodge the clog.
- Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, 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 pull it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market break down 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.