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

With the correct tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve 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 know-how, it's easy to fix 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 noticing a gurgling sound emanating from your sink, it may be an indication 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is not too difficult to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to remove any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger doesn't loosen the clog, you can try using a drain snake to clean out debris from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and inspect it for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Moline. They can help determine the reason you are having the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s a result of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a bigger problem 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 items 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 broken, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
  • Debris in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might prevent 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, think about using a plumbing snake to remove hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is achieved by taking apart 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 pull out any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and flush it with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get in touch with an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Moline to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

Quite often, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is normally harmless and can often clear up on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a nearby construction project.

One way to determine if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Odds are the air bubbles will dissipate 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 off-colored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals accumulate until they impact the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help resolve the issue. It can stop hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to remove any debris or accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a skilled plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip underneath a sink is frequently because a plumbing fixture has broken down or malfunctioned. At times, it’s caused by a clog obstructing 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 puddle of water underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any component has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can easily escape from these weak spots.
  • Worn-Out Washers: Over the years, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s possible that a new washer is needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, causing weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to look for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start leaking from the seal. It's important to check for any indications of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread 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 builds up. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

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

An experienced plumber in Moline can help you confirm if the discoloration is 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 widespread reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps 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 eliminate a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to try to 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 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: Several chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve 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.