Mon to Fri:

7:00AM to 5:00PM

Customer Reviews Graphic

Why Is My Sink Gurgling?

25 August

Are your water drains gurgling? Is the air movement audible and very loud? No one wants the gurgling noise coming from the drainage system and for it to break down and look for a trusted, licensed plumber to fix it or provide drain cleaning services. And while gurgling sounds from the kitchen and bathroom sinks do not immediately raise concerns, it is best not to ignore the gurgling noise just like you wouldn’t ignore your vent system if you hear any strange sounds. There could be a bigger problem with your plumbing system, like in your vent pipe, and probably in your sewer line too. Especially when multiple sinks and multiple drains are emitting the same gurgling noises.

We know you can’t help but worry if a strange gurgling sound comes from the sink drains whenever you wash your hands. It can’t simply be air rushing past in the sink. Or from the bathroom drains when you take a shower. And to make matters worse, the kitchen sink gurgling can often be accompanied by slow water movement, which indicates a problem inside the pipelines.

You might also find there is a leakage underneath the sink. While your gurgling drain pipes may not irritate you much, if this problem is not taken care of immediately, there could be more significant issues that are not to be blamed on food scraps getting blocked within your pipes or not maintaining your drain system regularly.

And that is where we step in! We have curated this guide with possible reasons behind a gurgling sink or the gurgling noise. Read on carefully to determine which of the following matches your situation, and then take care of it accordingly.

4 Reasons Behind A Gurgling Sink

There can be multiple reasons and common causes behind your bathroom or sink gurgling, and in this section, we will discuss all these common causes behind the gurgling noises in more detail. The better you know, the better you can act on it and prevent more serious problems.

How To Install A Kitchen Sink Drain

1. Blocked Pipes

Vent pipes are always connected to plumbing systems, letting sewer gases leave the house. These usually go around the roof and then escape from there. But if there’s a blockage in any of these pipes, the gas might return from the drain. And then back into your kitchen or bathroom.

This situation will not only create a gurgling noise but is also extremely dangerous. Sewer gases are highly flammable and can cause explosions if not taken care of immediately. We recommend calling a plumber on an emergency basis if you get a foul sewer smell and a gurgling sound from the sink.

2. Incorrect Installation Of Vent Pipes

If you hear gurgling sounds only from one drain pipe, that could be linked to the inappropriate installation of the sinks. And it could have created a vacuum. So, make sure that plumbers appropriately install the drain vents in the first place to avoid this plumbing issue. Remember that if you have a standard 1.5-inch pipe, the required vent must be fixed 3.5 feet above the base of your drain.

If that is not done correctly, a vacuum is created, leading to weird sounds. This needs to be fixed by professional plumbers, but you can do it in your own time.

3. Clogged Drains

One of the most common reasons for weird sounds from the drain is a full or partially clogged drain. A drain can get clogged for multiple reasons like fat and grease build-up, stuck food items, or oil accumulation not disposed correctly either in the garbage disposal or somewhere else. You drain gurgling could also be because of soap scum or other debris accidentally falling and getting stuck in the lower part. These will not let the drain water or gas pass through easily, and the obstructed movement will create a gurgling sound.

If your full or partially clogged drain is not treated by a professional service or DIY methods, your sink will not clear out completely, or water will slowly move down the drain. Sometimes, the wastewater can also return from the pipes leading to a malfunctioning sink and a more serious problem.

To help solve the sink issue, cleaning solutions are available in local stores to dissolve the dirt and soap scum inside and dislodge anything stuck in the passages. You can try a plumber’s snake and hot water for the gurgling noise and other chemicals and methods. However, if you plan to use it, remember to be very careful and read all the instructions for properly administering the chemical solution. This is essential because if the cleaner is not used correctly, it will invariably damage and corrode the pipes. That would lead to more significant problems and expenses, and you would not want to go down that road.

So, if you haven’t used such cleaners before, we suggest calling an experienced plumber to tackle the plumbing problem.

4. Broken P-Trap

The P-trap pipe runs underneath the sink and is generally placed inside the cabinets below. It is an essential part of the drainage system, as it keeps wastes and debris from affecting water flow. If the P-trap gets damaged or wears out over time, it can cause large-scale clogging and, thus, the gurgling noise.

Grease, food particles and oil stuck in the passage of water can create that annoying gurgling sound. But there is a way to take care of your gurgling noises and the gurgling noises at home without hiring a professional plumber or professional help.

How To Replace The Drain Trap On A Sink

Clean the P-trap once in a while so that it remains unobstructed. For this, you will have to open up the P-trap and then use a thin wire to clean out the debris. You can also use a coat hanger wire, a thin stick or a nylon brush cleaner to remove the dirt and then a brush to clean the insides thoroughly.

Once satisfied with the result and the brush comes out clean, you can assemble everything and connect them before closing the cabinet. But keep in mind that if the screws of the P-trap appear stuck, then they might need to be replaced. In this case, call a professional plumber who will do the job for you.

Tips To Take Care Of Your Sink

If you have recently cleaned your sinks or drains, we recommend pouring hot water once in a while to keep the passage clear and prevent gurgling kitchen sink or drain from gurgling. You can also mix some vinegar and lemon in the water to ensure that the food particles inside are broken down properly, thus preventing a blocked kitchen sink drain. This will ensure better durability of the pipelines and stop sinks from gurgling. And try to unblock the more severe build-up located inside with drain snakes paired with a vinegar and baking soda.

Also, do not pour grease or oil directly into the sink, as they can damage the interiors or promote clogging. Clean your utensils and crockery well with a sponge or cloth before washing them in the sink to keep the grease from entering the pipeline and into the sewer line.

Let’s Fix Your Noisy Sink And Drains

Now that you know about the causes of a gurgling sink, remember that the earlier you treat it like other plumbing problems, the less money it will require. And while there are cleaning solutions available easily in local stores, always check them well before purchasing so that the chemical does not damage your pipelines and cause another plumbing issue. They may offer a cheap solution but may cause you to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs or replacements. So, if you’re unsure about using them for your plumbing issue, immediately call up a local plumbing service and book an appointment at the earliest.

A Full Range Of Plumbing Services

It’s a relief to prevent serious damage to your whole house. No gurgling noise is coming from your drains anymore, and all the wastewater does not drain slowly into the sewer line like before. You just have to run water that is heated down the kitchen and bathroom sinks, and other drains regularly to avoid food scraps from piling again or a blocked drain. Because you relied on a professional plumber with many years of experience to take care of the gurgling sound, the plumbing issue, and your plumbing system, it isn’t at all time-consuming dealing with the emergency plumbing situation.

So, are you battling a partially blocked kitchen sink drain? What other issues are you having with your plumbing system that are disrupting the smooth functioning of your home? Do you suspect something wrong with your main sewer line? Or are there still gurgling noises coming from your garbage disposal, multiple sinks, and multiple drains in your properties? Or are there other strange noises? Contact one of our expert plumbers if you need further information about your plumbing problems. Gold Coast Plumbing Company offers a full range of plumbing services.

From replacing dishwashers, pipes and a blocked drain with all the wastewater not draining to a malfunctioning plumbing system and resolving a gurgling sound and other strange noises, you can rely on us to have the right plumbing services for you and your plumbing problem. Don’t wait and attract a bigger problem in your plumbing system. Call a professional today. Call Gold Coast Plumbing Company for the best way for your sink drain.