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, many of them can be repaired with just a few easy steps.

With the proper tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy common problems will help you know 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 info, it’s easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

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

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

• First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
• If a plunger doesn’t loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clean out particles from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call a seasoned plumber in McAllen. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

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 may also 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 build up in the pipes, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Debris in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict 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 come out of your house.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to force the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to remove hair or other debris and allow the water to move through. Other methods are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract 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 work, inspect 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 overenthusiastic bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in McAllen to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally harmless and can often clear up on its own. It could be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is caused by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Odds 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 problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

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

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to clear away any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you may 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 underneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are several of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed right 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 a sufficient seal. If you notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there’s a good chance that a new washer is necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it’s important to look for any signs 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 check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can 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 declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be muddied 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 inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in McAllen can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may improve the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits 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 eliminate a partial clog is using a plunger. If there isn’t any standing water in the sink, fill it with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, you may try using 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 called 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 product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.