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

With the right tools and practical knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by dealing with these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve common problems will help you tell 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 info, it's easy to sort out ordinary 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 concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of 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 problem is not too difficult to fix:

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

If you’re still having trouble, it may be best to call an experienced plumber in Lansing. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with skilled repair service.

2. Why Is My Sink Clogged?

If a sink is not draining, generally that’s because of something blocking the drainpipe. However, it also can be an indicator of a much 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 items 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 damaged, they may not be creating an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and allow the water to drain.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe at the bottom of the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or get 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 stop your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

To unblock 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 retrieve and pull out hair or other debris and allow the water to flow through. Other techniques are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to look for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is done by taking apart the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and put a bucket underneath the bend. Then, disassemble the pipe and pull out any debris. Once it’s emptied of debris, put the pipe back together and wash it out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap doesn't clear the blockage, check 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 other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may need to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Lansing to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often clear up on its own. It could be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a close-by construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water is created by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the counter. It’s likely that 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 talk to a professional for assistance.

The discolored water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in your home. Excessive minerals accumulate until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may be of assistance in fixing the problem. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a stubborn problem, consider clearing 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 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 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 several of the more common causes of sink leaks and how you can repair them:

  • Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a leak underneath the sink is because of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly tightened, or if it was not sealed all the way 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 observe water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, there's a good chance that a new washer is needed.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear out over time, causing weakening and cracks. Corrosion is quite common when working with older or discounted materials, so it's important to check for any indications of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Clogged Drains: A clogged drain can cause water to back up and start dripping from the seal. It's crucial to examine the drain for any indications 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 can be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also appear when sediment gathers. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is declining or there are elevated levels of minerals like manganese.

In some cases, the water can be muddied 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, get in touch with them to notify 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 Lansing can help you establish if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may get rid of the unsightly problem.

6. Why Did My Sink's Drainage Slow Down?

The most common cause 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 particles 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 way to remove a partial clog is to use a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, allow it to fill 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 fix the problem, you may have to use a plumbing snake—a long, thin chunk of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can pull it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Multiple chemical clog removers on the market break down blockages in sink pipes. Make sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.