Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the right tools and information, 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 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 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 Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can take place if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is not too difficult to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger does not work, 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 inspect it for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in Edmond. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, generally 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 accumulate in the pipes, creating 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 enable the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they come out of your house.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to move the clog 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 strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate 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 set a bucket below the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and retrieve 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 isn't effective, 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Edmond to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign 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 determine if cloudy water is created 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 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 check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your home. 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 counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a persistent problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will 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 beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are some of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can repair 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 securely tightened, or if it was not sealed right in its fitting, water can simply 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 observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is needed.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially 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 cause water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's important to look for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most widespread 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 show up when sediment builds up. Buildup may form if the filtration system is failing or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Edmond can help you figure out 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap residue 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 way to eliminate a partial clog is with 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 attempt to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, 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 called 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 the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.