Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the proper tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve common problems will help you realize 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 sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

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 occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is simple to fix:

• 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 clear away debris from the pipe. Finally, 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 problems, it may be best to call a qualified plumber in Sandpoint. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of 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 materials can collect in the pipes, producing 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 permit the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent 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 residence.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the blockage 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 move through. Other strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down 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 accomplished by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, 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 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 other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Sandpoint to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often go away on its own. It could be because 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 countertop. Chances are the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually go back to being 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 off-colored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can stop hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a stubborn problem, consider washing 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 probably will want to contact a professional plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, 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 common causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed right 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is needed.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to check for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Clogged 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 evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most common factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from excess 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 appear if the filtration system is declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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, be sure to contact them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Sandpoint can help you establish if the discoloration is 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 widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage 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 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 using a plunger. If you don't see 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 have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece 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 on the market break down blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.