Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These things 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 painless steps.
With the correct tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to take care of 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 expertise, it’s easy to sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues 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 a sign 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 blocked or disconnected.
Fortunately, this problem is not too difficult to fix:
- First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
- If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup from the pipe. Last of all, 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 trouble, it may be best to call a qualified plumber in Chelan and Wenatchee. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.
2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?
If a sink isn’t draining, generally that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by a bigger issue 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 materials can collect in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
- Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
- Buildup 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 clog in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your house.
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 move through. Other techniques are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.
Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.
If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t clear the blockage, check where your drain vent exits 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 Chelan and Wenatchee 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 due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It may be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby 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 counter. Chances are the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.
The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals collect until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to consult a skilled plumber and let them find a solution.
4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?
The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.
Here are some of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most likely 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: 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 very likely that a new washer is needed.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it’s important to check for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
- Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It’s important to always check for any evidence 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 commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.
In some cases, 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, get in touch with them to let them know about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.
An expert plumber in Chelan and Wenatchee can help you figure out if the discoloration is coming 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 explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible for kitchen sink clogs.
Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:
- Plunger: One option to help you 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 loosen the blockage and dislodge the clog.
- Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Many 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.
