Backed-up sinks. Discolored water. Leaks. These issues may sound frightening, but the truth is they’re common problems in many homes. In fact, lots 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 dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to remedy 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 successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing issues and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound coming out of 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clear away particles from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Philadelphia. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is just not draining, in most cases that’s a result of something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it could also be an indicator of a larger 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 junk can accumulate in the pipes, creating 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 allow the water to drain.
  • Crud 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: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might keep your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your house.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to push the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, give some thought to using a plumbing snake to retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other techniques are to utilize 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 under your sink. This is accomplished by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, 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 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to contact a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Philadelphia to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

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

One way to find out if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the countertop. Chances are the air bubbles will dissipate 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 cloudy water also could be the result of high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a stubborn problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to consult a skilled plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

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

Here are several of the more commonly seen causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been securely tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can quickly 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, 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 quite common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Plugged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start seeping from the seal. It's essential to examine the drain for any signs 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 reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust usually 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 accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is faltering or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, 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, get in touch with them to inform them of the discoloration. They should be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Philadelphia can help you figure out if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up 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 blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely culprits 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 option to help you remove a partial clog is with a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill with enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t get the job done, 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: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market break up 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.