Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Plumbing Problems

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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve 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 know-how, it's easy to fix common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove crud from the pipe. Lastly, 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 difficulties, it may be best to contact a qualified plumber in Albuquerque. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by a more severe issue 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 items can accumulate in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be making 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 get leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 leave your home.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force the obstruction 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 move through. Other strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and extract 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 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Albuquerque to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign and can often clear up 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 countertop. Chances are the air bubbles will go away 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 discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

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

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, 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 fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a drip underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been correctly 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 satisfactory seal. If you see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is required.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to look for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to always check for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Albuquerque 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most commonly encountered reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons 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 option to help you eliminate a partial clog is using a plunger. If you don't see any standing water in the sink, fill it 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 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 known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers on the market break down blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.