Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These things may sound intimidating, but the truth is they’re common problems in many homes. In fact, plenty of them can be solved with just a few easy steps.
With the right tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding 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 sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing problems and how you can address them.
1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?
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 occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become blocked or disconnected.
Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to correct:
- 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 buildup 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 an experienced plumber in Thousand Palms. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with answers.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink is not draining, usually that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be caused by 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, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
- Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, 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 under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
- Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your residence.
To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other techniques are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.
Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by dismantling the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out 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, check 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Thousand Palms 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 innocuous and can often clear up on its own. It may be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.
One way to find out if cloudy water was made 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 go away and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.
The cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up 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 creating 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 mix to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a skilled plumber and let them work toward a solution.
4. Why Does My Sink Leak?
The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.
Here are some of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can easily escape from these weak spots.
- Worn-Out Washers: Over time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a satisfactory seal. If you see 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 out over time, leading to weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any warning 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 important to look for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.
5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?
The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which can 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 declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.
Sometimes, the water can be stained 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, reach out to them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.
A knowledgeable plumber in Thousand Palms can help you confirm if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may improve the unsightly problem.
6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?
The most widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely reasons 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 method to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no 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 work, you may try using 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 known as plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers being sold today break up 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.