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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to take care of common problems will help you realize 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 info, it's easy to successfully repair common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve 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 take place if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is not too difficult to fix:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sounds.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup 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 phone an experienced plumber in Marshalltown. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by 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 materials can collect in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
  • Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit 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 restrict it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your home.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other techniques 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 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, take the pipe apart and retrieve 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 doesn’t work, inspect 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 another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Marshalltown to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often go away on its own. It could be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water is created 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 escape and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate 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 prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a stubborn problem, consider washing 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 contact a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below 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 commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a drip underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can simply 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 sufficient seal. If you observe 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 corrode over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to look 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 seeping from the seal. It's essential to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most common factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from high levels of iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is failing or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be muddied from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service on the water line or your plumbing. If you purchase your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Marshalltown can help you confirm if the discoloration is originating 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 cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue and grease—along with soap scum—often are blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

  • Plunger: One method to remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If you don't see 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 need a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk 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: Several chemical clog removers being sold today break up 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.