How to Solve Sink Gurgling Sound

kitchen sink

Is it normal for your sink to make a gurgling sound? No it is not! The gurgling sound that can occur when water goes down the sink or when you flush the toilet is an indication of potential problems with your drain pipes.

water drain

What actually happens?

When air is supplied through the vents, so when you hear a gurgling sound from the sink, this means that there is a blocked vent or the vent may have been installed incorrectly. When the gurgling sound occurs only when the sink is being used, the problem may be isolated with the sink vents.

What about when gurgling sound is produced when the toilet is flushed or the tub is drained? This can be an indication that the air passes through the P-trap of the sink, a main vent stack blockage, or negative pressure created in the pipes. This means that the entire vent system must be examined.

Water Pipe

What Causes the Sound?

The gurgling sound is generated once water enters the drain pipes as you drain the sink or flush the toilet. Once the water fills the pipe, it pushes the air in front creating a vacuum behind it. This vacuum generates a significant internal force on the pipe.

When the vacuum is not filled with additional air from other vents, it will enter through other openings on the plumbing system like the P-trap, the sink, or the shower. The rushing air going past the water that is standing at the bottom of the trap or the sink generates the gurgling sound.

Drainage P Trap

Sink Vent

Again, if the gurgling sound is produced only when the sink is drained, the sink vent is your best guess for the source of the problem. When troubleshooting the sink vent, the first thing to check is if it has been installed properly. The distance from the P-trap must be at least 3 ½ feet for a drain pipe of 1 ½ inch, otherwise, this can cause blockage and similar problems.

When the distance is farther than this, the potential of a vacuum developing becomes increased. This means that the possibility of gurgling sounds is greater. If you have an air admittance valve, which is installed at either the back or underneath the sink, this may be stuck or needs to be replaced, check it out.

bathroom

Other Obstructions

Empty P-traps and drain blockages can also be associated with gurgling sounds from the sink. This usually happens when the vents are not cleared regularly. The obstructions on the vents can be anything from leaves to bird’s nest that can be blocking the vent opening on your roof.

The slow movement of water in the pipes caused by the lack of air can cause debris and sediment to settle contributing to more blockage. Eventually, this will significantly impact the P-trap and the main drain. Take steps to restore the free movement of air to recover natural water flow.

Plumbing

Main Vent

When the gurgling sound occurs when the bathtub is drained or the toilet is flushed, then place to look at is the main vent. The gurgling sound can occur at another sink located at a different bathroom. You should take this warning sign seriously and start cleaning out the main vent. It is important to note that as the vacuum becomes stronger the odor of sewer can start creeping into your home.

Water sprayed into the opening of the vent can clear up obstructions or using a sewer auger can also work well in ensuring that other types of obstructions will not cause damaging problems to your plumbing system. You need to make sure that the sewer auger is long enough so you can reach the sewer. Keep in mind that the possible blockage can be anywhere along the line. This is a good reason why you should schedule a regular plumbing inspection to make sure your drains are in good condition.

Contact 24 hour plumber Los Angeles to get your plumbing problems fixed at any time you need.