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 solved with just a few painless steps.

With the right tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, knowing 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 know-how, it's easy to fix common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can take place if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clear away 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 blockages.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to contact a seasoned plumber in West Jefferson. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a larger problem 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 items can build up in the pipes, creating 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.
  • Debris in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 home.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to force the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other methods are to utilize 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 below your sink. This is achieved by taking apart the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and retrieve any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, inspect 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 overenthusiastic bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in West Jefferson to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often clear up on its own. It can be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. 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 check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a stubborn problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

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

Here are some of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a leak underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 satisfactory seal. If you discover 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 wear out over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's crucial to always check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment builds up. 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 repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to inform them of the discoloration. They should be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in West Jefferson can help you establish if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most common cause 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 clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If there isn't any 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 get the job done, 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 extract it manually. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers are available to 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.