Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Top Plumbing Issues

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

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

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be an indication 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is not too difficult to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clean out crud from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to contact an experienced plumber in Highlands Ranch. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by a larger problem with your plumbing system.

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

• Blocked or clogged pipes: Over time, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk can build up 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 producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Debris 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: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they come out of your home.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to force the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other strategies are to try 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 underneath your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Highlands Ranch to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Most of the time, 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 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 table. Odds are the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be the result of 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 prevent hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a persistent problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you may 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 underneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

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

• Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part 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 the years, 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 weakening and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to examine the drain for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

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

In some instances, the water can be muddied 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, be sure to contact them to tell them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Highlands Ranch can help you establish 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 clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue 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 try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, 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 pull it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Many 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.