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

With the correct tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, knowing how to resolve 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 know-how, it's easy to sort out straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can address 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 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 fix:

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

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to contact an experienced plumber in Beckley. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with lasting solutions.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink is not draining, in most cases that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it also can be caused by a much larger 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 accumulate in the pipes, producing 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 permit the water to drain.
  • Crud in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of 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 leave your plumbing system, might stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they exit your home.

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 clear away hair or other debris and allow the water to run through. Other methods are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may also check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe underneath your sink. This is done by disassembling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, disassemble 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 comes out of your house to make sure it isn’t blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an misguided bird or household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Beckley to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is My Sink Water Cloudy/White?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is caused by air bubbles in the water. Normally, this is innocuous and can often clear up on its own. It might be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water is created 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 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 be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can counter hard-water buildup from damaging your pipes and producing the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a reoccuring problem, consider cleaning off 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 may want to seek advice from a professional plumber and let them work toward a solution.

4. Why Won't My Sink Stop Leaking?

The reason for a leak or water drip directly below a sink is often because a plumbing fixture has worn out or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

Here are a few of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most likely causes of a drip underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way in its fitting, water can quickly 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 a sufficient seal. If you see water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it's likely that a new washer is necessary.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, leading to weakening and cracks. Corrosion is particularly common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to search for any warning signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's important to examine the drain 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 in most cases comes from excess iron in the water, which can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is faltering or there are high levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, 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 will be able to inform you if there has been any recent activity on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Beckley can help you figure out if the discoloration is 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 Slower Than It Used to?

The most widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap scum are likely culprits 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 clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink, fill it 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 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers are available to break up 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.