Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These things 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 easy steps.
With the right tools and knowledge, 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 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 successfully repair ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing dilemmas and how you can take care of them.
1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be the result of 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 obstructed or disconnected.
Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to fix:
- First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sounds.
- If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other blockages.
If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to call a seasoned plumber in Los Angeles. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.
2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?
If a sink isn't draining, in most cases that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a more severe issue 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 accumulate in the pipes, producing 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.
- 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: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.
To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to move the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other strategies 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 check 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 turn the faucet off and place a bucket below 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 isn't effective, look at 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 misguided bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Los Angeles to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.
3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?
In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often clear up on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by 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. It’s likely that the air bubbles will go away and the water will eventually go back to being 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 the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can prevent hard-water buildup from damaging 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 mix to remove any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a skilled 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 beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Occasionally, 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 fix 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 component has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can quickly 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 sufficient seal. If you see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is needed.
- Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive 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 force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's crucial to always 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 reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.
In some cases, the water can be stained from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you purchase your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.
An expert plumber in Los Angeles can help you confirm if the discoloration is 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 Slow?
The most commonly encountered reason 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 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 remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If you don't see 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 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
- Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.