If you are reading this article then I assume you are getting this bubbling or glug glug glug sound when your sink is filled with water, or when you flush your toilet. This gurgling sound is usually caused by air bubbles trapped in the plumbing system of your bathroom or kitchen sink that is trying to escape.
The two most common reasons why your sin is gurgling are a partial block in your drain pipes or the drain pipes are not vented properly.
Air shouldn’t be trapped in the first place in the drain pipes. So when the gurgling starts, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible because it will not disappear on its own. It will even lead to more complications which we are going to discuss in later chapters.
Common Causes Of Sink Gurgling
As indicated earlier, a gurgling sink may be a result of either of the following two common problems:
1. Partial Blockage in the Drain Pipes
If your sink has a partial blockage, it will cause air to become trapped in the pipes as water is flowing out of them and this is what causes the gurgling sound. Common causes of partial blockages are grease buildup or small pieces of debris that have lodged themselves in the pipes.
These build-ups can partially or totally block the vent. But air has to be taken in and out of the pipes for them to drain properly and this will usually cause a gurgling sound because it will reach out through the least restricted route which is usually through your sink.
2. Improperly Vented Drain Pipes
When your drain pipes are not vented properly or vented at all, it will definitely cause your sink to gurgle.
Drain pipes are vented to allow air to escape out of the pipes and also allow air to be taken in as water flows down the drain. This is necessary for the proper flow of water down your sink.
When air is not properly vented, it will be trapped inside the pipe, which makes it difficult for the water to move freely. This causes a build-up of pressure that eventually results in a gurgling sound because the air needs to find a way to escape.
Let me take you through a simple exercise or you can call it an experiment that explains why poorly vented drain pipes cause a gurgling sound in your sink.
Take a bottled water that is filled with water and turn it upside down in an attempt to empty the bottle. You will notice that as the water is trying to get out, it is making a gurgling sound because there is no way for the air to escape or enter the bottle.
Take another bottled water that is also filled with water and turn it upside down to release the water but this time, make a cut at the bottom of the bottle and watch as the water flows out without any gurgling sound because now, air can enter and escape.
This is exactly what is happening in your sink when it is not vented properly. The air needs a way to escape or enter and hence makes the gurgling sound when it reaches out through the least restricted route which is usually through your sink.
Can A Sink Gurgle When Not In Use?
Yes, a sink can gurgle even when it is not in use and this is very common. I visited a friend’s house one day and after using the bathroom and flushing the toilet, I could hear a gurgling and sucking sound from the sink’s drain hole and it smelled like urine.
It was a bit strange at first but after some digging, I found out that it is caused by the same reason discussed earlier, the toilet wasn’t vented well.
So, when the water leaves the toilet and goes through pipes, it is looking for air behind the slug of water. The only place it will find air is through the sink’s drain hole. That is why when you flush the toilet, you can hear a gurgling sound coming from the sink’s drain hole.
How To Fix A Gurgling Bathroom Or Kitchen Sink
When you experience a gurgling sink, you can perform a simple diagnosis and then employ any of the following measures to help fix the problem.
1. Install A Venting System
If you don’t have a venting system installed in your drainage system, then it is highly recommended to have one installed as soon as possible. The venting system allows air to move easily and prevents the issue of it getting trapped in the pipes and making its way through the sink’s drain hole.
Sometimes some inexperienced plumbers do these installations and make mistakes that can lead to a gurgling noise in the sink. So it is very important to always use experienced professionals who have the right tools and knowledge to do the job properly.
2. Check For Clogged Drains And Remove The Blockage
If you suspect that your sink is gurgling due to a clog, then you should check for any potential blockages in the drain pipes. It could be as simple as a hair or soap build-up that can easily be removed or as a result of pushing things down the sink drain. If there are build-ups, then getting rid of them will solve your gurgling problem.
There are various ways you can use to unclog your sink drain. You can use hot water and a plunger to try to remove the clog. The hot water will melt away any grease or soap build-ups and the plunger will help to push the clog out.
You can also use a drain snake if you have one. The drain snake is a long flexible metal cable that goes into your drain and helps to remove any blockages from inside the pipes.
There are also commercial drain cleaners that you can use to remove the clog. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packet before using it.
Downsides Of Not Fixing A Gurgling Sink
Apart from the annoying noise, not fixing a gurgling sink can have other serious implications as well.
The main disadvantage of having a gurgling sink is that it can cause unpleasant odors in your bathroom or kitchen. This is because the gurgling noise is caused by trapped air being pushed out of the pipes which can carry with it any bad odors from the drains.
Also, if the water is not able to flow smoothly and faster through the drainage system, then it can lead to water overflows and cause flooding in your home if the faucet is left running without anyone noticing. This can cause serious water damage to your property and will also waste a lot of water, as well as increase your utility bills.
Final Words
Gurgling sinks are never pleasant to hear but understanding why they occur and taking steps towards fixing them can help to reduce their occurrence. Installing a venting system and checking for clogged drains are sure ways to fix this issue.
Remember, if you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, then it is always best to call a professional plumber who can properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly and safely.
