What Is That Gurgling Under My Sink?

It’s common to hear water draining as it flows from your sink and into the pipes on its way out the door. But what if instead of hearing water drain, you hear it bubble or gurgle frequently? Gurgling sounds are usually a sign of a problem, meaning it’s best to contact a trusted local plumber right away.

Here are the two most common causes of a gurgling sound from under your sink:

1.     You Have a Clog Forming

The most common cause of a gurgling sound is a clog formation. The sound occurs when there isn’t enough room for water to flow through without meeting resistance. The water is working its way between the gaps in the clog, and as it passes through the air pockets, it makes a gurgling noise rather than flowing straight through.

What Causes a Clogged Drain?

Clogs form because something has gone down the drain that shouldn’t have. The most frequent offenders we see are:

• Grease
• Hair
• Wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Dental Floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paint
• Paper towels

If it’s a small clog and you’re feeling handy, you can likely clear it on your own with a simple sink plunger. Otherwise, you’ll need to call a reliable plumber to clear the clog for you expertly.

2.     Your Vent Pipe Is Blocked

Vent pipes are how sewer air escapes your home’s plumbing system. If one is blocked, it can cause a vacuum within your pipes, making it harder for water to flow freely. That’s the second potential cause of your gurgling sound.

Your main vent pipe is on the roof of your house, making it a prime target for debris such as trash, leaves, Frisbees, or even bird nests to cover it. Once the blockage is removed, the gurgling should stop.

Keep Your Sink From Gurgling

Watch for how your drains are clearing. Are they slower than usual? If so, use the tips above to see whether clearing a clog or unblocking your vent pipe resolves the issue. If not, ABC can help!

If you still hear gurgling sounds or your drains are clearing slowly, call ABC today at 888-868-6667 to schedule fast, affordable drain cleaning services.