Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound frightening, but the truth is they’re typical problems in many homes. In fact, many of them can be fixed with just a few simple steps.
With the proper tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to take care of common problems will help you realize 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 fix straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.
1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming 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 simple to fix:
- First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be creating 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. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.
If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to contact an experienced plumber in Manassas. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also 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: As time passes, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other items can collect in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
- Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
- Crud in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks, which restrict it from draining properly.
- Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 come out of your home.
To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction 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 dissolve the clog.
Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle 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 doesn't clear the blockage, 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 overly ambitious bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Manassas to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?
Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often disappear on its own. It might be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.
One way to determine if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. Odds are the air bubbles will escape 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 check with a professional for assistance.
The discolored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals collect until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.
If cloudy water becomes a persistent 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 might want to consult a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.
4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?
The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.
Here are several of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:
- Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a drip 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 adequately in its fitting, water can simply 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 likely that a new washer is necessary.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially 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.
- Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to 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 inhibiting water flow.
5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?
The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment accumulates. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is declining or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.
In some instances, 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, be sure to contact them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.
A knowledgeable plumber in Manassas 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 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 obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue 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 way to eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, allow it to fill 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 get the job done, you may try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve 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.