Why Is Your Sink Gurgling?

Ever do dishes and feel like your sink is talking to you, singing a song, or making noises you've never heard before? Much like how a car will sound different if there's a problem, the gurgling noise from your sink typically indicates a problem as well.

Learn what gurgling sounds mean for your sink, the possible repairs needed, and the dangers of letting the gurgling get worse.

One of the more common reasons to hear gurgling from your sink is due to a basic clog. In kitchen sinks, food debris and grease buildup can create a gurgling noise. Sometimes the clogs are just beyond the sink opening area and require some advanced plumbing tools to clear out the clog and reduce the noise. A plumber will provide the tools.

If you notice the water builds up and does not drain, then you likely have a sink clog issue. Do not use the sink further until the clog clears because you do not want to fully clog up the pipes. A snake drain will help push the clog through or pull up bigger pieces of debris.

You do not want to use a chemical pipe solution because the harsh chemicals could cause even more damage to your piping. If the gurgling noise is from another area like a bathroom sink, the clogs could occur from hair buildup or other products like toothpaste waste and shaving cream.

Clearing out the clog will make the pipes clean and clear for future use and eliminate the gurgling noise.

When you hear the gurgling sound in one sink, the first thing you should do is check the other sinks in the home. If you hear multiple sinks gurgling, then your problem may run deeper than just the initial drain pipes in the home. An expansive gurgling through the home is likely the result of a sewer line clog.

If you have a bathroom or sink in the basement of your home, you may notice the gurgling sounds louder in the area because the plumbing is located closer to the sewer line. A plumber will use tools to access the main sewer line and remove any clogs. One of the more ideal tools for the situation is a hydro jet.

The hydro jetting process is similar to using a snake that goes through pipes except an extremely powerful water stream cleans out the pipes and drains everything into a septic tank or your city’s sewer system. If you happen to rely on a septic system, once the sewer lines are cleared out, you should consider draining the septic tank so more buildup or issues do not occur.

Another source of a gurgling sound may have to do with the sink vent located underneath the sink. The sink vent is an essential element of sink plumbing to help keep pipes flowing and prevent major clogs. When the vent itself has malfunctioned or debris gets lodged into the vent, then you may hear the gurgling sound as the air tries to push through the pipes.

A plumber can examine the sink vent, determine any problems, and replace the vent if needed. The P-trap is another similar area where the gurgling noise may come from. The P-trap is the curved area of plumbing you will see under the sink. The main goal is to block out harmful gasses from coming up the pipes and into your home.

The curved area can also be prone to buildup of grease that settles down and does not drain properly. A plumber can replace the P-trap or clean out the area to solve the gurgling issues.

Make your house a little quieter with our services at Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. We will diagnose the problem, find a solution, and give you extra tips to help prevent issues in the future.