Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These problems may sound frightening, but the truth is they’re frequent problems in many homes. In fact, many of them can be fixed with just a few simple steps.

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to take care of common problems will help you tell 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 info, it's easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of 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 clear any blockages that may be causing the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away 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 barriers.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Manassas. They can help determine the underlying cause 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 clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be a result of a more severe problem 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 materials 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 damaged, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
  • Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form 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 stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your residence.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to push the clog through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket under the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, inspect 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get in touch with 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?

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 might be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Chances are the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals build up until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and creating 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 eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you probably will want to contact a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

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

Here are a few of the more typical 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 a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part 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: Over time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost 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 cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to look for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust usually 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 collect if the filtration system is failing or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to inform them of 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 Manassas can help you figure out if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most common cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely suspects 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 method to 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 try to dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, you may try using a plumbing snake—a long, thin section of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can pull it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers being sold today break down 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.