Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These things may sound intimidating, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, many of them can be fixed with just a few simple steps.
With the correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve 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 info, it’s easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing problems and how you can address them.
1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?
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 blocked or disconnected.
Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to solve:
- First, try using a plunger to remove 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. Lastly, 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 contact a seasoned plumber in Sacramento. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.
2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?
If a sink is not draining, generally that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can 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 junk can build up in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
- Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
- Crud in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which stop it from draining properly.
- Blocked vent pipe: A blockage 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 leave your house.
To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.
Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is achieved by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and wash it out with hot water.
If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn’t effective, 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 overenthusiastic bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Sacramento to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?
Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often disappear on its own. It may be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.
One way to check if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. It’s likely that the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.
The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate 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 counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider washing 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 seek advice from a skilled plumber and let them find a solution.
4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?
The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.
Here are a few of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed right in its fitting, water can quickly 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 discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is necessary.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it’s important to look for any signs 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 crucial to look for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.
5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?
The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated 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 form if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.
In some instances, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you purchase your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.
An experienced plumber in Sacramento can help you establish if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of 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 clog in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible for kitchen sink clogs.
Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:
- Plunger: One option to help you remove a partial clog is with 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 try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece 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 being sold today break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.