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

With the right tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve common problems will help you tell 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 expertise, 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 resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be a sign 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 situation is relatively easy to fix:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clear away debris from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to phone a seasoned plumber in Kutztown and Breinigsville. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a much larger issue 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 junk 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.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which stop it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A clog 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 exit your residence.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move the obstruction 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 try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is achieved by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and set a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, inspect 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 another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Kutztown and Breinigsville to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is innocuous and can often clear up on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is caused 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 become crystal 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 off-colored water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals collect until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to remove any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is usually 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 typical causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a drip underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component 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: After a while, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create a sufficient 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 needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite 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 force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's important to check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from excess iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, the water can be muddied 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, reach out to them to tell them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Kutztown and Breinigsville can help you establish if the discoloration is 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 widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog 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 blamed for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

  • Plunger: One method to eliminate a partial clog is using 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 loosen the blockage and dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t fix the problem, you may have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk 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: Many 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.