Solved: Gurgling Sink and Six Other Plumbing Problems

Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound frightening, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, plenty 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 tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to remedy common problems will help you know 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 ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sounds.
• If a plunger isn’t effective, you can try using a drain snake to remove particles from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call a seasoned plumber in McKinney and Frisco. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, generally that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may 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 materials can build up in the pipes, producing 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 enable the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your house.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to move 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 run through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down 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 done by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t clear the blockage, 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 overly ambitious bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a skilled professional for plumbing repair in McKinney and Frisco to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often go away on its own. It can be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Odds are 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 issue and will want to consult 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 alter 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 damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a stubborn problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to remove any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Won’t My Sink Stop Leaking?

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

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

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is because 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: Over time, 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, it’s very likely that a new washer is needed.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it’s important to search for any warning signs 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 important to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from high levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is failing 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 work on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to inform them of the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in McKinney and Frisco 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 Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most commonly encountered explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 option to help you clear away a partial clog is using a plunger. If you don’t see any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to 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 known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers are available to break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.