Why Are My Drains Gurgling?
If you’re constantly hearing strange gurgling noises from your drains or water pipes, this could indicate a more serious plumbing problem if you’re not sure why. The good news is noisy pipes are a common problem for home plumbing, and once you learn the reason it’s happening, it can be fixed. Let’s review what could be causing gurgling drains and how to fix them.
Gurgles From Clogged Drains
A clogged drain is one of the more common issues in plumbing that causes gurgling drains. Similar to the way our body’s intestine system works, when air is unable to escape, the grumbling sound will begin.
If air has gotten trapped in your pipes, you will hear the rumbling noise when the water flow is restricted and the air is prevented from passing through. The sound is made as the air turns into bubbles that try to make their way past the water.
Problems With Your Sewer Line
If you’re hearing weird noises coming from your drains, it could be a plumbing issue with your sewer line. Your sewer line carries wastewater and sewage from your home to your municipal sewer system for treatment.
Tree Roots
Healthy, beautiful trees have healthy, beautiful roots. However, as they grow, they can cause major issues to your plumbing and sewer lines. Obstructions can develop in your pipes when tree roots grow through them.
Gurgling drains and toilets, sinkholes, and soft patches in your yard are typical signs that roots may have gone through your sewer line. It’s important to deal with this issue quickly to prevent more damage to your plumbing.
Broken Pipes
Gurgling drains can be caused by a cracked or broken sewer line, but that’s not all it can lead to. This can cause one pungent mess. When your sewer line breaks, it causes air to enter into the pipes and is what causes the gurgling sound.
Call a Service Champion plumber today to get this issue fixed and avoid the smell and sounds of broken pipes.
Blocked Pipe
Trapped air bubbles inside your pipes can cause a gurgling sound. A clogged sewer line can cause more problems than a blocked freshwater line.=
Because sewer lines are buried in the ground, they are more difficult to get to. It is highly recommended you contact a licensed plumber to handle these kinds of problems.
Blocked Vent System
Have you ever heard the ‘glug’ sound when you pour the liquid out of a carton or bottle too fast? This is the same noise you will hear if your plumbing vents are blocked.
Your vents connect to every pipe in your home and vent through the roof. If one becomes blocked by twigs, leaves, or dirt, the air has no place to escape. This will result in it looking for the closest exit, which is typically your drains.
Damaged or Blocked P-Trap
A P-trap is a curved piece of pipe located behind the sink that prevents gross gases and odors from escaping into your home. When it becomes blocked or damaged, the water flows too slowly and creates a vacuum which causes the gurgling drains.
If you’re experiencing rumbling sounds and smelling odors from your drains, it may be time to replace your P-trap.
How to Fix Your Gurgling Drains
Concerned and irritated about your gurgling drains? It’s possible that you could resolve the problem with some DIY plumbing methods. But before you jump into that, there are a couple of factors you should consider before grabbing your wrench:
- Do you have the tools, skills, and knowledge to complete the work correctly? Especially if it is a sewer line where dangerous bacteria could live.
- Will you put yourself at risk and potentially cause more damage by trying to access the pipe?
If the problem seems to be something simple like a clogged pipe, there are a couple of DIY techniques you can try.
Use a Drain Snake or Plunger
A drain snake or plunger may take care of a small clog that is caused by hair stuck in the drain or food debris.
Use a Solution of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour some boiling water down your drain and follow it with a cup of vinegar and baking soda. The combination of these compounds may be enough to unclog the drain.
Call a Licensed Professional
The best thing that you can do for gurgling drains is to contact a licensed professional. They have the correct tools and experience to make sure that the gurgling doesn’t lead to more problems. Service Champion plumbers offer a variety of services, including water line and pipe repair. Get rid of your gurgling drains for good. Contact us today to take care of all your plumbing needs.