Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These issues may sound scary, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, many of them can be fixed with just a few painless steps.
With the right tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve 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 sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of them.
1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming 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 plugged or disconnected.
Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to correct:
- First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
- If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clean out debris 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 Albuquerque. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with answers.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink is not draining, usually that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also 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: Gradually, 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 making 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 stop it from draining properly.
- Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 exit your residence.
To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move the clog 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 move through. Other strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate 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 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 under the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.
If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, 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 misguided bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Albuquerque to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?
Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is normally benign and can often go away on its own. It could be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.
One way to determine if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Chances are 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 issue and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.
The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. 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 harming your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water ends up being 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 remove any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them find a solution.
4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?
The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.
Here are several of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can quickly 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 discover water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is required.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive materials, so it's important to keep an eye out 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 leaking from the seal. It's essential to 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 commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.
In some cases, 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, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.
An expert plumber in Albuquerque 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 common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely suspects 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 isn't any standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in 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 have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece 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: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market 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.