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

With the proper tools and knowledge, you can save yourself time—and money—by fixing these issues yourself. Plus, understanding how to resolve common problems will help you know when the issue is more involved 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 fix straightforward plumbing problems all by yourself. We’ll take a look at several frequent plumbing problems and how you can take care of them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re concerned by a gurgling sound coming out of your sink, it may be a sign of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can occur if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become obstructed or disconnected.

Fortunately, this situation is simple to solve:

  • First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake to clean out crud from the pipe. Lastly, 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 problems, it may be best to phone an experienced plumber in Myrtle Beach. They can help diagnose the root of the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Is My Sink Not Draining?

If a sink is just not draining, usually that’s due to something obstructing the drainpipe. However, it may also be an indicator of a bigger 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 items 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.
  • Crud 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 restrict it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to exit your plumbing system, might keep 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 clog 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 run through. Other methods are to use baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to break down the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may be able to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe below your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and clearing the line. To do this, first turn the faucet off and place a bucket underneath the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and extract any debris. Once it’s clean, put the pipe back together and wash it out with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap isn't effective, 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 overenthusiastic bird or other animal. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to contact an experienced professional for plumbing repair in Myrtle Beach to make sure there isn’t a more substantial problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is Cloudy Water Coming from the Sink?

In general, cloudy or white-looking water is a result of air bubbles in the water. This is normally benign and can often disappear on its own. It may be because of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to find out if cloudy water was made by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the table. Odds are 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 cloudy water also could be due to high levels of minerals in the water in the plumbing system. Excessive minerals build up until they alter the water’s appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may help. It can prevent hard-water buildup from ruining your pipes and making the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water ends up being 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 eliminate any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you may want to consult a skilled plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find 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 failed or malfunctioned. Sometimes, it’s caused by a clog blocking the line.

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

  • Loose Connections: One of the most frequent causes of a puddle of water underneath the sink is due to loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any fixture has not been properly tightened, or if it was not sealed adequately in its fitting, water can easily escape from these weak spots.
  • Worn-Out Washers: After a while, the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create an adequate seal. If you discover 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 corrode over time, resulting in weakening and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or lower-cost materials, so it's important to check for any signs of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
  • Blocked Drains: A clogged drain can make water back up and start leaking from the seal. It's essential to examine the drain for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be slowing water flow.

5. Why Is My Sink Water Brown?

The most widespread cause of brown tap water is rust. Rust normally comes from high levels of iron in the water, which could be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also develop when sediment accumulates. Buildup may appear if the filtration system is failing or there are significant 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 get your water from a municipal utility company, reach out to them to notify them about the discoloration. They will be able to tell you if there has been any recent work on the water lines.

A knowledgeable plumber in Myrtle Beach can help you confirm if the discoloration is coming from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up 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 obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap residue are likely reasons for a clogged bathroom sink, while food residue and grease—along with soap scum—often are responsible for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

  • Plunger: One way to remove a partial clog is using a plunger. If there’s no standing water in the sink, turn on the faucet to put in enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog.
  • Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn’t work, 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 yank it out. Sometimes, these are known as plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Several chemical clog removers are available to 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.