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

With the proper tools and information, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to resolve common problems will help you tell when the issue is more involved 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 issues and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re hearing a gurgling sound coming from your sink, it may be the result of 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this issue is simple to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be creating the gurgling sounds.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out buildup 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 phone a qualified plumber in Manassas. They can help identify the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s due to something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may 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 materials can build up in the pipes, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
  • Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which prevent 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 unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to push the clog 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 techniques are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and put 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 with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn’t work, inspect 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 another critter. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact a knowledgeable professional for plumbing repair in Manassas to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

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

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. This is normally innocuous and can often disappear on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby 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. 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 predicament and will want to check with a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals accumulate until they affect the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mixture to clear away any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a certified plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is frequently 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 frequent causes of a leak underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 a satisfactory 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 required.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or inexpensive 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 cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's important 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 factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be discolored 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 inform them of the discoloration. They will be able to inform you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Manassas can help you establish if the discoloration is originating 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 explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial blockage 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 method to clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in 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 pull it out. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today 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.