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 easy steps.

With the proper tools and practical knowledge, 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 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 successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be the result of 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is simple to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sounds.
  • If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to remove particles from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call a seasoned plumber in Sandpoint. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink isn't draining, in most cases that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a much larger problem 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 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 damaged, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
  • Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form 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 force the clog 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 run through. Other methods are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to look 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 removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, look at 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 misguided bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Sandpoint to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign and can often disappear on its own. It can be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. It’s likely that 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 cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals build up until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to remove any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are some of the more commonly seen 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 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 sufficient seal. If you discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is necessary.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, resulting in weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any warning 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 essential to examine the drain 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 widespread factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining or there are high 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 buy your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert 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 Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely suspects 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 remove a partial clog is using 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 loosen the blockage and dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, 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 called plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple 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.