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 repaired with just a few painless steps.

With the right tools and knowledge, 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 tell 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 know-how, it's easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be an indication 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is simple to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to contact a qualified plumber in Greater Richmond. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink isn't draining, generally that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also 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 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 creating 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 develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage 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 unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to push the clog 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 run through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve 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 underneath your sink. This is achieved by taking apart the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, check 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 want to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Greater Richmond to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

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

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It might be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water was made 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 become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament 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 the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can counter hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog stopping 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 a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is required.
• 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 discounted materials, so it's important to look for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

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

Sometimes, 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Greater Richmond 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 common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely reasons 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 way to eliminate a partial clog is to use 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 work, you may need a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.