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

With the right tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve common problems will help you know 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 several frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound coming out of 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 obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to fix:

• First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be creating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to remove buildup from the pipe. Last of all, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and check for any other objects in the way.

If you’re still having difficulties, it may be best to contact a qualified plumber in Warrenton. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is not draining, usually that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a bigger concern 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, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or busted, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Crud in the trap: The curved pipe beneath the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which restrict it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: A blockage in a vent pipe, which allows gas to escape your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they come out of your house.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to push the blockage 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 flow through. Other methods 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 search for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is done by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and put a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and retrieve 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, check where your drain vent comes out of your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an overenthusiastic 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 Warrenton to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is harmless and can often disappear on its own. It might 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 countertop. Odds are the air bubbles will dissipate and the water will eventually become crystal 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 discolored water also could be caused by high levels of minerals in the water in your residence. Excessive minerals collect 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 damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a reoccuring problem, consider washing 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 accumulation. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a skilled plumber and let them 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 some of the more typical causes of sink leaks and how you can fix them:

• Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been securely 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 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 necessary.
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can corrode over time, leading to weak spots and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to look for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can force water to back up and start seeping from the seal. It's important to check 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 factor that leads to brown tap water is rust. Rust in most cases comes from excess iron in the water, which might be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment gathers. Buildup may form if the filtration system is faltering 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 purchase your water from a municipal utility company, be sure to contact them to tell them about the discoloration. They should be able to notify you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Warrenton can help you confirm 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 clog in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely culprits for a clogged bathroom sink, while food scraps and grease—along with soap scum—often are at fault for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One option to help you clear away a partial clog is with 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 try 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 chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can extract it manually. Sometimes, these are referred to as plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers are available to break down blockages in sink pipes. Be certain to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.