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 repaired with just a few painless steps.

With the correct tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy common problems will help you realize 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 successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing 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 problem is relatively easy to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sounds.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out buildup 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 objects in the way.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to contact a qualified plumber in Los Angeles. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a more severe 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 accumulate in the pipes, causing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
  • Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit 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: 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 residence.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other strategies are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and retrieve any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, 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 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Los Angeles to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

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 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 counter. It’s likely that 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 problem and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. 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 prevent hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a persistent problem, consider washing 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 might want to consult 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 directly below a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Occasionally, 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 fix them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can simply escape from these weak spots.
  • Worn-Out Washers: Over the years, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a satisfactory seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to look for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's essential to look for any signs of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is failing or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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, get in touch with them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to notify you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Los Angeles can help you establish 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food particles and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible 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 fix the problem, 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are called 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 remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.