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

With the tools and , you can save yourself time—and money—by these issues yourself. Plus, how to common problems will help you when the issue is more and best solved by a professional.

So, don't let a clogged drain or a leaky faucet get you down—with the right , it's easy to plumbing problems all by yourself. We'll take a look at frequent plumbing and how you can them.

1. Why ?

If you're a gurgling sound your sink, it may be of air or water trapped in the pipes. This can if there is a blockage in the pipes, or if a plumbing vent has become or disconnected.

Fortunately, this is to :

• First, try using a plunger to any blockages that may be the gurgling .
• If a plunger , you can try using a drain snake to from the pipe. , if your plumbing vent is blocked or disconnected, make sure to reconnect it and for any other .

If you're still having , it may be best to plumber in Des Moines. They can help the the issue and provide you with .

2. Why ?

If a sink draining, that's something the drainpipe. However, it be a with your plumbing system.

Common reasons why the water in your sink won't drain:

• Blocked or clogged pipes: , hair, food scraps, grease, animal fats and other can in the pipes, a blockage that prevents the water from draining.
• Broken seals: If the sink's rubber seals are cracked or , they may not be an effective seal around the drain to keep out air and the water to drain.
• in the trap: The curved pipe the sink, called a P-trap, can become blocked with debris or leaks which it from draining properly.
• Blocked vent pipe: in a vent pipe, which allows gas to your plumbing system, might your sink from draining. Vents can be blocked by debris where they your .

To a pipe, try using a plunger to the through the line. If that doesn't work, using a plumbing snake to hair or other debris and allow the water to through. Other are to baking soda and vinegar or a drain-cleaning product to the clog.

Depending on your plumbing setup, you may for a blockage in the P-trap, which is a bend in the pipe your sink. This is by the pipe and the line. To do this, first the faucet off and a bucket the bend. Then, and any debris. Once it's , put the pipe back together and with hot water.

If trying to clear the line and P-trap , where your drain vent your house to make sure it isn't blocked by debris such as leaves, dirt or even a nest by an bird or . If this also doesn't work, you may to professional for plumbing repair in Des Moines to make sure there isn't a problem with your plumbing.

3. Why ?

, cloudy or white-looking water is air bubbles in the water. and can often on its own. It be a water company doing work on the lines, or construction project.

One way to if cloudy water by air bubbles is to fill a glass of water and then leave it on the . the air bubbles will and the water will eventually . If the water is still cloudy after 24 hours, you may have another and will want to a professional for assistance.

The water also could be high levels of minerals in the water . Excessive minerals until they the water's appearance and taste, in which case a water softener may . It can hard-water buildup from your pipes and the distasteful cloudy water.

If cloudy water a problem, consider the aerator, which is a screen at the end of your faucet. Use a water and vinegar to any debris or . If that doesn't work either, you want to a plumber and let them a solution.

4. Why ?

The reason for a leak or water drip a sink is because a plumbing fixture has or malfunctioned. , it's caused by a clog the line.

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

• Loose Connections: One of the causes of a underneath the sink is loose connections between pipes, fixtures and hoses. If any has not been tightened, or if it was not sealed in its fitting, water can escape from these weak spots.
• Worn-Out Washers: , the washer in a sink fixture can become worn out and fail to create seal. If you water seeping from the sides of the handle or base of the faucet, that a new washer is .
• Corroded Pipes: The pipes underneath a sink can over time, and cracks. Corrosion is common when working with older or materials, so it's important to for any of degradation in order to avoid a major leak.
• Drains: A clogged drain can back up and start from the seal. It's to for any of blockage and to clear away any debris that may be water flow.

5. Why Is ?

The most brown tap water is rust. Rust comes from iron in the water, which be the result of corroded pipes or worn-out fixtures. Rust may also when sediment . Buildup may if the filtration system is or there are levels of minerals like manganese.

, the water can be from silt or clay particles that have been stirred up from on the water line or your plumbing. If you your water from a municipal utility company, them to the discoloration. They to you if there has been any recent on the water lines.

plumber in Des Moines can help you if the discoloration is a rusting pipe that needs to be replaced, or if a filtration system may the unsightly problem.

6. Why ?

The most for a sink to drain slow is a partial in the pipes. Hair and soap are likely for a clogged bathroom sink, while food and grease—along with soap scum—often are for kitchen sink clogs.

Three ways you can fix a clogged sink include:

• Plunger: One a partial clog is a plunger. If standing water in the sink, enough water to cover the drain. Then, use the plunger to dislodge the clog.
• Plumbing snake/weasel: If a plunger doesn't , you may a plumbing snake—a long, thin of plastic—to put down your pipe to attach to the clog so you can . Sometimes, these are plumbing weasels.
• Chemical Clog Remover: chemical clog removers blockages in sink pipes. to follow all directions, and that won't damage your home's pipes or the basin in your sink.