Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the proper tools and skills, 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 know-how, it's easy to sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of 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 situation is relatively easy to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clear away particles 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 call an experienced plumber in Wilkes Barre and Scranton. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be a result of a much larger 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 junk can build up in the pipes, creating 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 allow the water to drain.
• Debris in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog 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 come out of your residence.

To unclog 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 run through. Other methods are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve 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 underneath your sink. This is done by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set 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 flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, look at 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 overenthusiastic bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Wilkes Barre and Scranton to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

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

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is normally benign and can often disappear on its own. It might 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 countertop. Chances are 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 issue and will want to consult 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 impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can stop hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to eliminate any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, 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 common causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to 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 quickly escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: After a while, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a satisfactory seal. If you see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to look for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most common reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from high levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is faltering or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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 get your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to notify them 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 Wilkes Barre and Scranton can help you confirm if the discoloration is originating from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most widespread cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One method to eliminate 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 get the job done, you may need a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can extract it manually. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.