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

With the right tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, understanding 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 dilemmas and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of 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 not too difficult to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to eliminate 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 crud from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. They can help determine the reason you are having the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s because of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be a result of a larger problem 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.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which stop it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to move the blockage 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 techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate 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 below your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and pull out 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 isn't effective, 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 misguided bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally innocuous and can often go away on its own. It can be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by 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 countertop. It’s likely that 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 problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can stop hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a reoccuring 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 buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to seek advice from a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are a few of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture 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 a sufficient 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, resulting in damage 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.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's important to examine the drain for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

The most common factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment builds up. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin 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 Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most commonly encountered reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely suspects for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles 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 method to eliminate a partial clog is to use 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 attempt to dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, you may need 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 known as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.