Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the right tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding 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 fix common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming out of 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 situation is not too difficult to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other blockages.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to contact a qualified plumber in New Castle. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, generally that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a more severe issue 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, 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.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

To unblock 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 remove hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other techniques are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and extract 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, 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 overenthusiastic bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in New Castle 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 due to air bubbles in the water. This is normally innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It can be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. Chances are the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect 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 ruining 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 mixture to clear away any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from 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 frequently because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are a few of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can quickly 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 an adequate seal. If you notice 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 corrode over time, causing deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to search for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's essential to look for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from excess iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment builds up. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is faltering 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 service on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to inform them of the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to notify you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in New Castle can help you figure out if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may improve the unsightly problem.

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

The most widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 remove a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, fill it 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 section of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can pull it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers are available to break up 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.