Plumbing Gurgling
In this post, we're going to cover what causes a plumbing gurgling sound, and potential solutions to stop these sounds from occurring. Gurgling sounds from your plumbing can be an early warning sign of more serious issues, so it's important to address them promptly.
What Causes Plumbing Gurgling?
Gurgling sounds in your plumbing system are typically caused by one of two main issues. Understanding the root cause is essential for implementing the right solution.
Clogged Sewer Lines
Every drain in your house eventually connects to your main sewer drain line, which brings waste water to a city sewage system or septic tank.
If this line gets clogged, waste water will build up in your lines (pushing out air) and eventually start backing up all your drains.
Because this is a serious possibility that can lead to extensive damage, we'd recommend getting in touch with a qualified plumber who can address the issue before it worsens.
Important: Sewer line clogs can lead to backups throughout your home if not addressed promptly.
Blocked Vent Pipes
Plumbing systems have vents to allow air to flow in and out of the drain system. This is necessary because when water goes down a drain, it changes the amount of fluid in the pipes of the drain system.
Without properly functioning vent pipes, the extra water will increase the pressure in your drain system, and air will be forced out of other drains connected to the system.
This is hazardous, as noxious sewer gases can be released through other drains in your house, creating both unpleasant odors and potential health risks.
Blocked vent pipes are a common cause we see regularly for gurgling sounds and sewer gas smells.
Common Areas Where Gurgling Occurs
Bathroom Drains Gurgle When Toilet Flushes
Because bathrooms have many plumbing fixtures near each other, and toilets push down a significant amount of water, this is a common place to notice gurgling sounds.
We sometimes find gurgling occurring from another drain in the restroom not having a P-Trap, although normally this is a sign of a vent issue on the restroom drains.
Pro Tip: If you hear gurgling in your bathroom sink or shower when flushing the toilet, this often indicates a venting problem that should be addressed by a professional.
Kitchen Drains Gurgling
Although this can be a venting issue, we've seen many cases where there's a partial blockage of drains due to bits of food, cooking oil, grease, and other debris getting stuck in the drains.
Often, these types of clogs can be initially addressed with a plunger, but may require professional cleaning for a complete solution.
Warning: Chemical drain cleaners are harmful to your plumbing system and should be avoided. They can damage pipes, cause premature deterioration, and often don't fully resolve the underlying issue.
When to Call a Professional
While some minor gurgling issues might be temporarily resolved with a plunger, persistent gurgling sounds typically indicate a more serious problem that requires professional attention. Consider calling a plumber if:
- Gurgling sounds persist after attempting to clear drains
- Multiple drains in your home are gurgling
- You notice foul odors along with the gurgling sounds
- Water is backing up into sinks, tubs, or showers
- Your toilet water level fluctuates or bubbles when not in use
Conclusion
If you're experiencing gurgling sounds in your plumbing, don't wait to call a professional plumber. Although gurgling sounds can sometimes indicate minor issues, they can quickly develop into larger problems with costly solutions if ignored.
A qualified plumber can properly diagnose the cause of the gurgling, whether it's a clogged sewer line, blocked vent pipe, or another issue, and implement the appropriate solution before more serious damage occurs.
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