Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, understanding 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 info, 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 Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be an indication 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 problem is simple to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away debris from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other barriers.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to call a qualified plumber in Mason City. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a much larger problem with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won’t drain:

• Blocked or clogged pipes: As time passes, 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 under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form 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 keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to push 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 strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and wash it out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, look at where your drain vent extrudes from your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an overenthusiastic bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Mason City to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often clear up on its own. It might be the result of 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 countertop. 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 cloudy water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals collect until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can stop hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes 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 clear away any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

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

Here are a few of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a drip 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 easily 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 observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is needed.
• 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 discounted materials, so it's important to keep an eye out 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 seeping from the seal. It's crucial to always check for any signs 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 cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment builds up. Buildup may form if the filtration system is failing or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, 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, be sure to contact them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Mason City can help you figure out if the discoloration is originating 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 commonly encountered reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 way to clear away a partial clog is using a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill 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 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: Multiple chemical clog removers being sold today break up blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.