Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy 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 expertise, it's easy to successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out crud from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to phone a seasoned plumber in Mission Viejo. They can help determine the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a more severe concern 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 busted, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which stop 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 come out of your residence.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction 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 flow through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done 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, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, 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 overenthusiastic bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Mission Viejo to make sure there isn’t a bigger 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 disappear on its own. It may be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to determine 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 escape and the water will eventually go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals accumulate until they alter 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 making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a persistent 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 blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to consult a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are a few 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 component has not been properly 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is especially 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.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's essential to always check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread 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 develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is failing or there are significant 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Mission Viejo 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 commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 way to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no 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 get the job done, you may try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today break up 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.