Solved: Your Sink Gurgles and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These issues may sound intimidating, 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 proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve 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 expertise, it's easy to successfully repair straightforward 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 concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be a sign 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 issue is not too difficult to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other objects in the way.

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

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be an indicator of a 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, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe under 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 keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they come out of your residence.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, look at where your drain vent exits 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 have to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Bend to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often go away on its own. It can be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water was made 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 issue and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect until they alter 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 harming your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a persistent problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to contact 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 underneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are a few of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can simply escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: Over time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is especially 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.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to examine the drain for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

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

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

An expert plumber in Bend can help you establish if the discoloration is coming 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 commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One method to eliminate a partial clog is with 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 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 known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.