If you hear your drain making gurgling noises several moments after using the sink, shower, and in more extreme cases the toilet, then it may be a result of a blocked drain or vent pipe. Often times, the mixture of dirt and grease can build up in the drains and the plumbing. This buildup can cause the water to drain slowly. As a result, the air bubbles can not go through the pipes and get expelled at the nearest hole, resulting in a gurgling noise that is audible to the user. In a clean drain and line, water and air bubbles can easily flow together down a drain, with the air and water getting expelled in their appropriate spots. If there is a gurgling noise that is present for every drain in the house however, then it is evident that there is a larger blockage in the main pipe rather than a smaller pipe attached to the fitting drain.
One of the best ways to prevent this is to abstain from pouring anything down the drain that may cause a build up such as food, hair, grease, etc. In the event that there is already a buildup, there are many chemical solutions that can be poured into the drains to clean the drains. When using the solutions, make sure to follow directions closely. The solutions are toxic and may cause personal injury. Additionally, if you do not let the solution sit long enough it may not work correctly. If the problem persists, you should use a “snake” to physically unclog the areas. A snake is a long, flexible, coiled metal wire that can reach far and deep into the plumbing of your house and break up the debris. Use the snake with enough force to break off the build up, yet not so aggressively that you will damage the pipes and cause a leak.
Another reason you may be hearing the gurgling noises is a blocked vent pipe. The vent pipe is connected to all the main plumbing pipes in the house and is vented out through the roof of the house. This vent may be blocked because of leaves, a bird’s nest, accumulated dirt, etc. Due to the blockage, the air can not be ejected through the vent. Thus the air is forced to escape through the nearest opening, which is usually the last sink used, and results in a gurgling noise.
The vent is usually on the roof, so only a trained professional with experience should attempt to unblock the vent because it is a dangerous task. The professional needs to check the cap that blocks leaves and animals from falling into the vent. Use TalkLocal to find a high quality plumber in your area.
Your article “Drain Making Gurgling Noise” was helpful. However, a gurgling noise just started in the kitchen when our clothes washer emptied its water. What can I do to fix the problem?
For your information, we do not pour grease, food or other solids down the kitchen drain. Could this be an air vent problem?