Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy 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 info, it's easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be a sign 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 issue 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 debris from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Buellton. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a much larger problem 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, producing 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 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 develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble 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 clear the blockage, check 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 another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Buellton to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

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

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign and can often go away on its own. It may be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood 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 counter. Odds are the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and producing 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 mix to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to contact a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are several of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a leak underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture 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 the years, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a satisfactory seal. If you discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to search for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start seeping from the seal. It's crucial to look for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most commonly encountered reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment builds up. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is declining or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service on the water line or your plumbing. If you purchase your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to inform them of the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Buellton 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 Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most widespread cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog 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 method to clear away a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no 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 fix the problem, 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 called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers are available to break up 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.