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

With the proper tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve 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 know-how, it's easy to successfully repair common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be causing the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake to remove debris from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other barriers.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone a qualified plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. They can help diagnose the reason you are having the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a bigger issue with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won’t drain:

  • Blocked or clogged pipes: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other items 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 producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable 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 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 push 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 techniques are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and set a bucket underneath 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, 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 other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often disappear on its own. It can be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. It’s likely that the air bubbles will escape 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 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 build up until they alter 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 making the distasteful cloudy water.

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

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing the line.

Here are several of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is a result 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 easily 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is required.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted 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 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 slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from excess iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are elevated 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 buy your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to let them know about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to notify you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Menomonie and western Wisconsin can help you establish if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most common reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup 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 remove a partial clog is using a plunger. If there isn't 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 extract it manually. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers on the market break up blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.