If you have a drain gurgling in your home, you may be wondering what the possible causes are and how you can prevent it. Such noises can often occur when using sinks in the bathroom or kitchen. However, you should not immediately panic, but you should not ignore the problem either. If something is wrong with the water pipe, it can sometimes require hiring a plumber. Find out more below about the factors that play a role and how to proceed in such situations.
What to do if your drain is gurgling
Peeking noises from the sink can be cause for concern, but often they are just a sign of air buildup. However, if you notice that the noise is getting louder or occurring more frequently, there are some steps you can take to resolve the issue. The kitchen sink is often the source of such strange noises, but alsoSink in the bathroomcan exhibit such “symptoms”. In addition, these situations usually arise from slow draining water and this can be due to various reasons. You should therefore be able to tell whether the noise is coming from the kitchen or the bathroom. It also helps to find out early on whether it is a single sink or several that are causing the noise. By isolating the cause of the problem, you can save time troubleshooting.
Additionally, gurgling is caused when something prevents water or air from flowing through the drains. As the tap water slowly passes through the pipes, air bubbles begin to form, creating a gurgling sound. Not only sinks, but also the toilet or shower drain, or even floor drains can make gurgling noises. The real question is – what is causing the blockages that produce the gurgling?
Identify the possible causes of the gurgling noise
A poor drain vent or a partially clogged drain is the most common cause of gurgling noises coming from a sink. If the water doesn't drain properly, a vacuum can form, causing this. Food and dirt can easily build up and cause slow drainage, which also results in this. Another common problem with bathroom sinks is that the drain is clogged with hair. You can try to unclog the drain using a plunger or plumber's snake, but if it is too deep, you may need to call a plumber.
Another common problem with bathroom sinks is that the drain is too shallow. However, this can be quickly remedied by installing a pop-up drain valve or sink strainer. Other culprits that cause a drain to gurgle include the following:
- Clogged exhaust pipe: This is often the cause of gurgling noises from a bathroom sink.
- Clogged Garbage Drain: When food or other waste clogs the drain, it can cause the drain to gurgle.
- Defective odor traps: A damaged odor trap can cause water to drain slowly, creating a vacuum.
- Clogged bathtub drains: If the bathtub drain is clogged, it can also make gurgling noises.
How you can tackle the problem yourself
- First, check whether food or debris is blocking the sink or sink drain. Use a plunger to clear the blockage if there is one. If that doesn't work, use a plumber's snake to unclog the drain.
- If none of these methods clear the drain, it may be time to call a plumber. There could be a more serious blockage or damage causing the noise. A plumber can assess the problem and recommend the best course of action.
- A professional plumber will also be able to inspect your drains for possible problems. If your drains are clogged, they may recommend a solution, such as drain cleaning.
- Additionally, it is crucial to address gurgling noises as quickly as possible. They can be a sign of a more serious problem. Clearing the blockage yourself may solve the problem, but if it doesn't, don't hesitate to call a professional. You can identify and fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
- In the meantime, keep water and food away from the sink as much as possible to prevent further clogs.
When a completely clogged drain gurgles
If you haven't taken care of your partially clogged sink drain, your drain will eventually become completely clogged. Such an obstruction occurs when the water in your sink or bathtub begins to rise instead of draining completely. Some possible reasons for a complete drain blockage include dirt, hair, dead skin, soap scum, toilet paper buildup, oils or grease. However, if several drains are blocked, then you probably have a complete blockage in the sewer line. In this case, as written above, it is best to call a professional or use a camera to inspect the blockage. Depending on what the extent reveals, it may be time for a pipe cleaning.
More tips for preventing gurgling noises
- It helps to regularly clean your drains of hair, food particles and other substances.
- However, avoid using cleaning solutions that contain chemicals. These can be harmful to your pipes and may not clean the drain effectively.
- If you have a garbage disposal, make sure you run water through it after each use. This will help flush out any food or debris that may be left behind.
- You can also apply some petroleum jelly to the lip of the piston cup to create a better seal.
- Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously up and down for about a minute at a time, stopping to see if the water flow improves.
- Install a sink strainer to catch food and debris.
