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

With the right tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve common problems will help you know 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 expertise, it's easy to fix ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Making a Gurgling Sound?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from 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 not too difficult to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clean out debris from the pipe. Finally, 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 difficulties, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. They can help determine the root of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can 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, causing 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 at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A blockage 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 clear a pipe, try using a plunger to force 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 flow 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 have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and cleaning out the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and rinse out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, inspect where your drain vent comes out of 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 a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin 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. This is usually innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It can be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. Odds 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 problem and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals build up until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can stop hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a stubborn problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to remove any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to consult a skilled 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 underneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are some of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can resolve them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed right 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 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 necessary.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's crucial to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most common cause of 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 develop when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is failing or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

Sometimes, 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 get your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to notify you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most common explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps 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 clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If you don't see any standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in 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 try using 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: Several chemical clog removers being sold today 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.