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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to remedy 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 expertise, it's easy to sort out ordinary plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is relatively easy to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger isn't effective, 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 check for any other obstructions.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to contact an experienced plumber in New Castle. They can help determine the underlying cause of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, generally that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may 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: Over time, hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other junk 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 making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get leaks which stop it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction 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 unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to force the blockage through the line. If that doesn’t work, think about using a plumbing snake to clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other techniques are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down 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 done by taking apart the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and set a bucket under 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 doesn’t work, 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 other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in New Castle to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is benign and can often clear up on its own. It may be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood 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 table. Chances are the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually become crystal clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect 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 producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off 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 consult a skilled 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 frequently because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. Occasionally, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

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

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a leak underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately 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, it’s very likely that a new washer is necessary.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to deterioration and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's essential to always check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is the Water from My Sink Discolored?

The most commonly encountered factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from elevated levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may collect 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 work on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to inform them of the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in New Castle 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 Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely suspects 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 eliminate a partial clog is to use 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 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 on the market break down blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that any brand you buy won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.