Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the right tools and practical 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 know 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 sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound emanating 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is simple to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clean out crud from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call a qualified plumber in Ellsworth. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a much larger issue with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won’t drain:

• Blocked or clogged pipes: As time passes, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk 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 broken, 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 develop leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the clog through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other strategies are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse out 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get in touch with a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Ellsworth to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

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

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is innocuous and can often go away 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 table. It’s likely that the air bubbles will escape 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 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 affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can stop 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 mix to eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a skilled plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog obstructing 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 puddle of water underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can easily 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 sufficient seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from excess 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 appear if the filtration system is failing or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be discolored 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 tell them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Ellsworth can help you figure out if the discoloration is originating 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 Slower Than It Used to?

The most commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely suspects for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles 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 remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt 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 extract it manually. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers being sold today 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.