Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to take care of common problems will help you tell when the issue is more complicated 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 ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can address them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be a sign 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 fix:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clear away particles from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other obstructions.

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

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be an indicator of a more severe issue 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 items can build up in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under 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 come out of your house.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force the blockage 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 move through. Other methods are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, 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 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 want to contact a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Marshalltown to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is normally harmless and can often go away on its own. It may be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood 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 counter. It’s likely that the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually go back to being 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 cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals collect until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can prevent hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and producing 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 solution to eliminate any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact 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 usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are several of the more typical 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 correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to examine the drain for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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 notify them about the discoloration. They should be able to notify you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Marshalltown can help you establish if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most commonly encountered reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed 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 using 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 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 section 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: Several chemical clog removers are available to dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.