Why Are My Drains Gurgling?

Have you ever heard a strange gurgling sound in drain? I along with many of my friends have experienced this puzzling phenomenon. But what exactly causes drains to gurgle? I researched and discussed the same with my plumber. Hence, I can share some of the possible reasons regarding the same.

• Blocked or partially blocked drain pipe:

A blocked or partially blocked drain pipe is one of the most important causes of gurgling drains. Partially blocking a drain can occur when waste, such as food scraps, hair, or grease, builds up in the pipe.

When air is pulled into the pipe as water flows past the obstruction and creates a vacuum, a gurgling sound is created. This can be removed by using a plunger.

• Blocked vent pipe:

Another possible cause of gurgling drain is a blocked vent pipe. Plumbing systems are designed with vent pipes that allow air to escape as water flows down the drain. If the vent pipe gets blocked, usually due to debris it can disrupt the airflow and cause gurgling sounds in the drains. 

I had a similar issue in my bathroom. It turned out that the vent pipe on the roof was clogged with leaves, and once I cleared it, the gurgling sounds disappeared.

• Improperly installed plumbing trap:

Additionally, a malfunctioning or improperly installed plumbing trap can also cause drains to gurgle. A trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If the trap is not functioning correctly or is installed at the wrong angle, it can create a vacuum effect that causes the drain to gurgle.

I experienced this when I had a new bathroom sink installed, and the plumber forgot to install the trap correctly. As a result, the drain made loud gurgling noises until the trap was properly adjusted.

Several things, such as blocked or partially blocked drain pipes, clogged vent pipes, and broken plumbing traps, can result in the gurgling sound in drain. Investigate the situation as soon as possible if you hear gurgling coming from your drains in order to prevent more issues. For more complicated cases, it might be necessary to hire a professional plumber.

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