Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the proper 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 info, it's easy to successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming out of 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to solve:

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

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in Pella. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, generally that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by a larger concern with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won’t drain:

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other materials 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 busted, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable 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 develop leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your home.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to move the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to 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 dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and pull out any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, inspect 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 overly ambitious bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Pella to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is 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 determine if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Chances are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually go back to being 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 caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a persistent problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to remove any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to consult 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 usually because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are several of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve 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 component has not been correctly 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 very likely that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to look for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to always check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most common cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from work on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to tell them about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Pella can help you figure out if the discoloration is 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 common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum 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 option to help you remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, fill it with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you may try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can extract it manually. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today break up 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.