Gurgling sounds coming from your drains are quite common, especially in the kitchen drain and toilet. A gurgling sound is essentially air escaping your drain. This sound tends to occur when your pipes are having a difficult time draining, suggesting that there is an obstruction somewhere along your drain lines. This could mean a clog forming in your drain or a blocked vent pipe. This potential obstruction is likely creating suction which pulls water in the p-trap thus creating the gurgling noise.
Here are several ways to silence this annoying sound and prevent more serious problems from occurring in the near future.
Clogged Drain
Some obstructions in your drain may be minor and resolved with a few quick home remedies. However, if the problem persists, call a professional plumber to perform a thorough camera inspection of your drain system that will allow them to establish if the situation is not more severe. By being proactive and scheduling an annual hydro jetting for your drains, you are likely to be able to prevent this problem altogether and maintain adequate flow throughout your plumbing system.
Main Sewer Line Clog
A main sewer line clog creates negative pressure which pushes air back up through your drains, instead of letting it flow through. Though some minor drain clogs can be resolved with good maintenance, this is not the case when it comes to your sewer line. Main sewer line clogs are much more serious and do not resolve themselves on their own. A main sewer line clog can pose a serious, toxic, and expensive hazard if left unresolved quickly.
Fortunately, if a bubbling toilet is the only sign you are seeing, do not panic. Chances are the only thing that is clogged, is your vent pipe.
Blocked Vent Pipe or Faulty Air Admittance Valve
A vent pipe, located on your roof, connects all of the drain lines together and is responsible for allowing free airflow to balance the pressure in your plumbing system. These vents are prone to be blocked by debris or nests, which block the airflow and trap gasses inside, resulting in gurgling sounds emanating from your drains. The solution is simple – remove the obstruction and allow gasses to escape, restoring proper airflow.
Some homes have an air admittance valve instead of a vent pipe. An air admittance valve is typically installed just behind the P-trap and does the same thing as a vent pipe – it allows air to enter the drain system. A broken or improperly installed valve can cause gurgling noises due to uneven pressure. Luckily, they are not difficult or expensive to replace.
While generally speaking gurgling sounds are no reason for immediate alarm, if they persist for an extended period of time despite your best efforts to resolve the issue, they may point to a bigger problem deeper in your drain system. Addressing this early on will save you significate time and funds down the line. Call your trained professionals here at VIP Sewer and Drain Services today and stop the problem in its tracks!