You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the drains in your home — but when they start making noise, it’s important to pay attention. A gurgling drain is a warning sign that something’s going on in your plumbing. Whether you’re dealing with a backed-up drain or a broken sewer line, fixing the problem quickly can prevent extensive (and expensive) damage.
Why Is My Drain Gurgling?
A gurgling drain can be caused by a range of issues. Some are small and easily fixed, while others require professional attention.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common causes of a gurgling sink, shower, or toilet. The good news? Gurgling means the pipe isn’t fully blocked — rather, it’s usually a sign that air is struggling to get by a partial clog.
Plumbing Damage
When one of the pipes in your home is cracked or broken, it allows air to enter the plumbing. If the damage is close to a drain or toilet, you might be able to hear the sound of the air disrupting the flow of fluid. In some cases, tree roots can damage the underground pipes outside your home.
P-Trap Problem
The P-trap is the piece of curved pipe that sits beneath the drain pipe and prevents sewer gases and other odors from escaping out of the drain. Every time you run water or flush the toilet, the old standing water is replaced with a fresh supply.
If there’s a problem with the P-trap, such as a partial blockage or an incorrect installation, it can affect the movement of air. Trapped or blocked air can create a gurgling sound.
Poorly Vented Drain Lines
When a drain line isn’t vented properly — or something is blocking the end of the vent pipe — it prevents air and gas from escaping. When the air can’t get out, it moves through the pipes in bubbles. Gurgling happens as the air bubbles make their way to the drain.
How to Fix a Gurgling Drain
No matter the cause, it’s important to figure out what’s causing a gurgling drain quickly. If you don’t fix the problem, it can get worse — plumbing issues rarely resolve themselves.
That doesn’t mean you need to call a plumber immediately. Start with affordable DIY fixes, and bring in the professionals if the gurgling persists.
Plunge Your Drain
Sometimes fixing a backed-up drain is as simple as plunging it. Remove the drain stopper and plug the overflow vent. Run a few inches of water into the sink or shower, and position the plunger over the drain. Push down firmly to create a seal, and move the plunger handle up and down for about 15-30 seconds.
Allow the water to drain, and listen for gurgling sounds. If you hear them or notice the water is draining slowly, try plunging again for 30 seconds.
Break Up Potential Clogs
If using your plunger doesn’t work, you might be dealing with a significant buildup of hair, fats, oils, and other debris. Try these methods to break up the clog:
- Baking soda and vinegar: Pour boiling water down the drain. Then, pour one-half cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by one cup of baking soda. Plug the drain, wait 15 minutes, and flush the drain with more boiling water.
- Chemical drain cleaners: For stubborn clogs, you can try a commercial drain product to break up clogs; follow the directions on the package. Just take care not to do it too often, as the strong chemicals could damage your pipes (a common plumbing mistake).
- Drain snake: If the gurgling sounds like it’s close to the drain, insert a drain snake or drain auger. When you feel it run into the clog, rotate it and push down on the handle. Pull the tool out slowly to remove the buildup.
Check Your P-Trap
If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing and your P-trap is accessible, you can check to see if it’s the cause of the problem. Put a bucket under the trap, twist off the connectors on either side, and empty the water into the bucket. Clear out any debris that’s stuck in the curved section, and flush with hot water.
Check the clean trap for cracks and other damage. If it seems to be intact, reinstall it on the drainpipe. Make sure to tighten the nuts to create a tight seal, but not so much that they crack.
Know When to Call a Plumber
Call in the professionals if you’re still hearing gurgling sounds after exhausting all DIY solutions. A plumber can inspect your system and find other potential issues, such as a blocked vent or cracked pipe. They can also complete a thorough drain cleaning to remove stubborn clogs.
Smelling sewer gases? Call a plumber right away. These unpleasant odors can happen when there’s a serious backup or an issue with the main sewer line.
Get Professional Help With Gurgling Drains
A gurgling drain doesn’t always indicate a major plumbing issue, but it’s better to be safe — and the team at Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is standing by to help. Our experienced Cleveland plumbers can find out why your sink is gurgling and fix the problem, keeping your drains running smoothly and preventing future damage in the process.
