Have you noticed an unusual gurgling, glugging, or bubbling sound coming from the drain below one of your sinks? While this sound doesn’t signal a dire emergency, it’s important to know that it does indicate one of two problems with your plumbing system that can “start small” and get bigger.
Below, we’ll explain the two possible causes behind a gurgling sink drain and what to do about it.
Reason 1: A clog is forming.
When a clog starts to form in a drain, it restricts the water flow, which can lead to some bubbling and odd sounds. Numerous items and substances can clump or congeal together to form clogs, including:
- Grease, lard, and oil
- Soap scum (typically from bar soap)
- Hair and pet fur
- Dead skin
- Food scraps
- DIY and crafting materials (like paint and adhesives)
- Non-flushable paper items (like paper towels, facial tissues, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products)
You can try to remove the clog yourself with a cup plunger or a manually-controlled drain snake (also called a plumbing snake or drain auger). If you’re worried about damaging your pipes with an especially long or electric-powered drain snake, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to clear the drain.
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Reason 2: Something is blocking a vent pipe.
Along with drain pipes and water supply pipes, your plumbing system also has pipes for ventilation. Otherwise, your plumbing’s drainage system would fill up with sewage gases--yuck! Your vent pipes allow those gases to leave your home to the outdoors, typically through a pipe that sticks out of your home’s roof.
Occasionally, something can block a vent pipe, such as a bird’s nest, branches, or a clump of leaves. When that happens, this can cause the gurgling noise that sounds like it’s come from somewhere beneath your sink. If you find that plunging or snaking the drain doesn’t get rid of the noise, contact a plumber to inspect the drain and your home’s vent pipes to discover the root of the issue.
At EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC, we offer our customers an unrivaled $69 Drain Clearing Special, which includes a video inspection and a full 12-month warranty! Contact our Gilbert plumbers online or by phone today to schedule your drain clearing service: (480) 351-1820.