Drain gurgling is a common issue that could be caused by anything from a simple clog to something more serious.
Today, we’ll talk about reasons your drains might be gurgling and what you can do about it.
Your Pipes Could Be Clogged
The reason your drains are making a gross gurgling sound could be as simple as a clogged pipe.
When your drains get clogged or blocked, the water flow is hindered. And when water can’t get through, air can’t get through either. The gurgling sound is the sound of trapped air bubbles trying to push its way past the obstruction in the pipe.
Sewer Line Problems
Under your home, there is a pipe that carries away all of the sewage and waste. This pipe leads right to the sewer system. But if there are issues in your sewer line, this could also cause that unsettling gurgling.
Tree Trouble
Tree roots can cause issues such as soft spots and sinkholes in your yard when the trees are damaging your pipes. In more severe cases, tree roots can grow through your pipes, causing your drains to gurgle.
Your Pipes Might be Broken
When your sewer lines break, air comes rushing in, which can cause drains to get loud.
However, that gurgling from your busted pipes can also come along with the repulsive stench of sewage. At this point, you will need to call out a professional, and fast. Busted sewer pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Your Vent System or Pipes Are Obstructed
Vent system blockages trap air bubbles, and these air bubbles cause the gurgling in your drains.
But why is this?
Your P-Traps Are Damaged
Damaged P-traps are a common reason you could be hearing gurgling in your drains and, luckily, a fairly simple fix.
The p-trap in the piece of curved pipe underneath your sinks. The function of this particular section of drain pipe is to prevent gasses and odors from going back into your home. When your P-trap gets damaged or clogged and water flow slows down, this causes a vacuum. This then causes those concerning noises coming out of the drains.
A sign that your P-traps are clogged or damaged is a strong putrid odor coming from the drains. Fortunately, this problem can easily be remedied by simply cleaning out or replacing your P-trap.
Fixing Your Gurgling Drains
When considering a DIY fix for your pipes to fix the gurgling, and luckily, there are ways to handle the drain problems on your own until the professionals come. Before you begin your DIY endeavors, there are several things you need to consider:
- Can you access your pipes easily, and without causing more damage?
- Do you have the right tools and knowledge to diagnose the problem on your own?
- Can they be accessed without putting yourself in harm’s way?
- Do you have the equipment and skills to do the job on your own?
When to DIY vs. When to Call a Plumber
Some plumbing fixes aren’t just difficult and time consuming. Some can actually be dangerous.
Sewer lines can carry harmful bacteria in them.
If your pipes are simply just clogged you do have several options, assuming you can easily access them.
If you believe that the blockage in your pipes is simply due to food, hair, or other debris, a plunger, drain cleaner, or vinegar and baking soda mixture can break up the clog.
Call The Plumbing Professionals
Calling the professionals at ASI is always your best best. With a variety of services for all your plumbing needs, skill, and all the right equipment, the pros can make sure that your gurgling drain issues don’t turn into any major water damage.
