Why Are My Drains Gurgling?

When you turn on a faucet and let some water run down your sink, does it sound like there is a monster living in your drains? That gurgling noise that you hear is actually quite common, and it is often the sign of a plumbing problem. In order to help you figure out the cause, today we’re going to answer the question, “Why are my drains gurgling?”

Why do drains gurgle?

Certain plumbing problems (see below) can cause air to get trapped in your drain pipes. When you turn on the faucet and let some water down the drain, that air escapes up through the water and creates a gurgling sound along the way.

Why are my drains gurgling?

Some of the most common problems that can cause drains to gurgle include:

• Drain clogs. When you have a buildup in your drains, a certain amount of air will get trapped in the clog. As water goes down the drain, it gets stuck and sits on top of the clog. When this happens, the air that’s trapped in the clog moves up through the water and creates a gurgling noise. This often happens with clogs that are caused by grease, oil and fat.
• Drain venting issues. Your drains have a venting system that allows air and gasses to be released from your pipes and expelled out of your home (typically through the roof). If any of those vents get clogged, or if the vent on your roof is covered with something like dirt or a bird’s nest, the air in your pipes is often released out of a nearby sink and creates a gurgling sound.
• Double-sink clog. Double-sinks in kitchens are often prone to gurgling problems. That’s because the drain that connects the two sinks can get clogged and pull air from one side to the other, causing a loud gurgle.

What should I do if my drains are gurgling?
Gurgling drains should never be ignored. That’s because they are almost always an indication of some kind of problem with your home’s plumbing system. Your best bet is to contact a Bay Area plumber like Cabrillo that can find and fix the problem and eliminate the gurgling noises from your drains.

If you have any questions about why your drains are gurgling, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your Bay Area plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor.