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

With the right tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with 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 know-how, it's easy to sort out common plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at a couple of frequent plumbing problems and how you can resolve 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 blocked or disconnected.

Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to solve:

• First, try using a plunger to eliminate any blockages that may be generating the gurgling noise.
• If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove crud 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 barriers.

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Norton. 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, in most cases that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a larger 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 accumulate in the pipes, creating a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or damaged, they may not be producing an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and permit the water to drain.
• Debris in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or develop leaks which prevent 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 exit your house.

To clear a pipe, try using a plunger to push the obstruction through the line. If that doesn’t work, consider using a plumbing snake to remove hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other strategies are to try baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to dissolve 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 underneath your sink. This is achieved by disassembling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first switch the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and retrieve any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and flush it 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 misguided bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may have to get a hold of an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Norton 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 a result of air bubbles in the water. This is usually benign and can often disappear on its own. It could be caused by a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by 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. Chances are the air bubbles will escape and the water will eventually clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another issue and will want to consult a professional for assistance.

The cloudy 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. It can prevent hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water is a persistent problem, consider washing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar solution 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 diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Is My Sink Leaking/Dripping?

The reason for a leak or water drip beneath a sink is usually because a plumbing fixture has failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog stopping the line.

Here are a few of the more common 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 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 time, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you observe 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 wear out over time, causing damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to keep an eye out for any indications 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 crucial to always check 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 widespread reason for brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which may be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also show up when sediment builds up. Buildup may collect if the filtration system is declining 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 repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you buy your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to tell them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to notify you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

An experienced plumber in Norton can help you figure out 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 widespread explanation for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction 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 responsible for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One method to eliminate a partial clog is using 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 fix the problem, 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 are available to break up blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the remover won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.