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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to take care of common problems will help you realize 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 info, it's easy to sort out ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a few frequent plumbing problems and how you can address them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing 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 plugged or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to clear 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 particles from the pipe. Finally, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in The Bay Area. They can help identify the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is not draining, generally that’s because of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also 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: Gradually, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk can accumulate in the pipes, causing 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 enable the water to drain.
  • Crud in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get 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 exit your residence.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to force the clog 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 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 check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put 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 isn't effective, look at 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 overly ambitious bird or another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in The Bay Area to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally benign and can often go away on its own. It could be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to determine 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 go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to 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 be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can counter hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any debris or buildup. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to contact a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

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 blocking the line.

Here are several of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can fix 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 part has not been securely 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 an adequate seal. If you observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is required.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, resulting in weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's important to look for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be restricting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining 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, be sure to contact them to let them know about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in The Bay Area can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming 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 common cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue 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 clear away a partial clog is to use 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 get the job done, you may try using 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: 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.