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 typical problems in many homes. In fact, lots of them can be fixed with just a few simple steps.

With the correct tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to remedy common problems will help you tell 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 ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is simple to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away 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 seasoned plumber in Bartlesville. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be a result of a much larger concern 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 items 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 broken, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
• Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your residence.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to push the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is done by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble 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 extrudes from your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an overenthusiastic bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Bartlesville to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often clear up on its own. It can be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. Odds are 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 issue and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect until they impact 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 creating 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 mixture to eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to contact a certified plumber and let them find a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are some of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been securely 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 sufficient seal. If you notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, resulting in weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's important to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most common cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from excess iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is failing or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be stained 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, reach out to them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Bartlesville can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming 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 explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely suspects 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 remove a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no 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 work, 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 extract it manually. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve 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.