Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the right tools and practical knowledge, 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 expertise, it's easy to sort out ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can address them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be a sign 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 relatively easy to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out crud from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other obstructions.

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

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s a result of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a more severe 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, 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 producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which stop it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

To unclog 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 remove 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 break down 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 below your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket under the bend. Then, take the pipe apart 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 work, 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 need to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Libertyville to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often clear up on its own. It might be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood 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. Odds are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to remove any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a skilled plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

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

Here are some 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 part has not been securely 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 see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly 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 crucial to examine the drain for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most commonly encountered reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust normally 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 accumulates. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is faltering or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be discolored 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, be sure to contact them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Libertyville can help you confirm if the discoloration is originating from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

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

The most widespread cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are at fault for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One option to help you eliminate a partial clog is with a plunger. If you don't see any standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, you may have to use 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: Several chemical clog removers being sold today break up blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.