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

With the proper tools and skills, you can save yourself time—and money—by tackling these issues yourself. Plus, learning more about how to take care of common problems will help you tell 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 expertise, 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 address them.

1. Why Won't My Sink Stop Gurgling?

If you’re noticing a gurgling sound emanating from 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 issue is simple to correct:

  • First, try using a plunger to clear any blockages that may be generating the gurgling sound.
  • If a plunger isn't effective, you can try using a drain snake to clean out particles from the pipe. Lastly, if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and search for any other blockages.

If you’re still having problems, it may be best to contact a seasoned plumber in Omaha. They can help identify the reason you are having the issue and provide you with answers.

2. Why Won't My Sink Drain?

If a sink isn't draining, usually that’s a result of something clogging up the drainpipe. However, it could also be caused by a more severe 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 build up in the pipes, producing a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
  • Broken seals: If the sink’s rubber seals are cracked or broken, they may not be making an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and enable the water to drain.
  • Buildup in the trap: The curved pipe under the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or form leaks which prevent it from draining properly.
  • Blocked vent pipe: An obstruction in a vent pipe, which allows gas to leave your plumbing system, might prevent your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they leave your residence.

To unblock a pipe, try using a plunger to move 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 flow through. Other strategies are to utilize baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to disintegrate the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may have the ability to check for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe under your sink. This is accomplished by dismantling the pipe and removing blockages from the line. To do this, first shut the faucet off and place a bucket below the bend. Then, take the pipe apart and pull out any debris. Once it’s clear, put the pipe back together and flush it 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 household pest. If this also doesn’t work, you may want to get a hold of a skilled professional for plumbing repair in Omaha to make sure there isn’t a significant problem with your plumbing.

3. Why Is the Water from My Sink So Cloudy?

Most of the time, cloudy or white-looking water is due to air bubbles in the water. This is usually harmless and can often disappear on its own. It may be the result of a water company doing work on the lines, or a neighborhood construction project.

One way to check if cloudy water was made 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 clear. If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another problem and will want to talk to a professional for assistance.

The off-colored water also could be caused by 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 help. It can counter hard-water buildup from harming your pipes and creating the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water becomes a reoccuring problem, consider clearing out the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar mix to remove any debris or blockages. If that doesn’t work either, you might want to contact a certified plumber and let them diagnose the problem and find a solution.

4. Why Does My Sink Leak?

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

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

  • Loose Connections: One of the most common causes of a drip underneath the sink is a result of loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any part has not been correctly 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 notice water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, it’s very likely that a new washer is required.
  • Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can wear down over time, leading to damage and cracks. Corrosion is especially common when working with older or discounted 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 important to always check for any evidence of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be inhibiting water flow.

5. Why Is My Water Rust-Colored?

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 may 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 declining or there are significant levels of minerals like manganese.

In some instances, the water can be discolored from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from repairs on the water line or your plumbing. If you get your water from a municipal utility company, get in touch with them to notify them about the discoloration. They will hopefully be able to inform you if there has been any recent construction on the water lines.

An expert plumber in Omaha can help you confirm if the discoloration is from a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may clear up the unsightly problem.

6. Why Is My Sink Draining Slow?

The most common reason for a sink to drain slow is a partial obstruction in the pipes. Hair and soap buildup are likely suspects 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 way to clear away a partial clog is with a plunger. If there isn't any 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 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 pull it out. Sometimes, these are called plumbing weasels.
  • Chemical Clog Remover: Many chemical clog removers being sold today dissolve blockages in sink pipes. Be sure to follow all directions, and that the product won’t damage your home’s pipes or the basin in your sink.