Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the right tools and information, 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 successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can address them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

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

Fortunately, this problem is simple to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove crud from the pipe. Last of all, 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 contact a qualified plumber in Ellsworth. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a much larger concern with your plumbing system.

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

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other materials can accumulate 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 creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable 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 stop 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 home.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction 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 methods are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve 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 below your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract 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 work, check 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Ellsworth to make sure there isn’t a more substantial 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 normally harmless and can often disappear on its own. It might be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is created 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 predicament and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals build up 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 damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off 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 consult a professional plumber and let them find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are several 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 part has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is needed.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or discounted 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 make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's essential to look 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 factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from excess iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment accumulates. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is failing 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 buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Ellsworth can help you confirm if the discoloration is originating from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may improve the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

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 responsible for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One way to clear away a partial clog is to use 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 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 dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.