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

With the proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve 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 know-how, it's easy to successfully repair straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing issues and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be a sign 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 not too difficult to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove particles from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Columbus. 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 isn't draining, generally that’s due to something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it may also be a result of a much 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 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 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 beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A clog 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 exit your residence.

To unclog a pipe, try using a plunger to force the blockage 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 run through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is achieved by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put a bucket below the bend. Then, dismantle the pipe and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and rinse with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, look at 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 overenthusiastic bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Columbus to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is usually innocuous and can often go away on its own. It can be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water is caused 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 go back to being clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals build up until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider cleaning off the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to remove any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to consult a certified plumber and let them find 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 stopping the line.

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

  • Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a drip 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 right in its fitting, water can simply escape from these weak spots.
  • Worn-Out Washers: Over time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, causing weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to look for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to check for any signs 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 commonly encountered cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust usually comes from excess 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 declining or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from service on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Columbus can help you figure out if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slower Than It Used to?

The most commonly encountered cause for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum 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 method to clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If you don't see any standing water in the sink, allow it to fill 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 work, you may have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin piece of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers on the market 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.