Solved: Gurgling Faucets and Six Other Plumbing Problems

Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These things may sound intimidating, 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 correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve common problems will help you know 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 info, it's easy to successfully repair common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be an indication 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 problem is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
• 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 obstructions.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Kankakee. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink isn't draining, generally that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a bigger 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, 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.
• Debris in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your house.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to remove hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other methods are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate 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 dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket under the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and rinse out 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 overly ambitious bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Kankakee to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is normally benign and can often clear up on its own. It might be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. It’s likely that the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can stop hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a stubborn problem, consider washing 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 accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to consult a certified plumber and let them find 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 worn out or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing 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 frequent causes of a drip underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been correctly 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 an adequate 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 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 lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start seeping from the seal. It's crucial to examine the drain for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most widespread reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop 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 service on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to notify them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Kankakee can help you figure out if the discoloration is originating from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most common cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely reasons 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 way to remove a partial clog is with 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 need a plumbing snake—a long, thin section of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market dissolve 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.