Hearing gurgling coming from your sink drain can be alarming. With so many possible causes of this mysterious sound, how can you know what the culprit is? If you’re at a loss for how to fix a gurgling sink, there’s no need to stress. We have a complete list of possible reasons for a gurgling sink drain, from clogged drains to blocked vents. Here’s everything you need to know before you call a plumber to stop your sink from gurgling.

Clogged Drains

A drain clog is one of the most common causes of gurgling. First, determine whether you’re dealing with a partial clog or a complete clog. A partial clog is characterized by slowly draining water and a gurgling sound. It’s important to clean your drain as soon as possible to prevent your plumbing from becoming more severely blocked.

If you fail to properly clean your drain, the partial clog will soon transform into a complete clog. A complete clog occurs when the water in your sink begins to rise instead of going down the drain. At this stage, the gurgling noise you heard during the partial clog will become more intense, and you’ll need to take action to stop the sink from gurgling.

Once clogged drains have developed into complete clogs, calling a professional is long overdue. By doing your research on the best plumbers in Salt Lake City, you can find the right specialist to help drain the sink.

Blocked Vent

If a drain clog isn’t the solution to how to fix a gurgling sink, you likely have a blocked vent system to blame. A plumbing vent (also referred to as a vent stack or vent pipe) regulates the flow of air through your plumbing system. The vent system facilitates waste and water flow via pipes that drain away from your home. Keeping your vent stack clear helps ensure that your home’s plumbing runs smoothly.

If your vent becomes blocked for any reason, it will prevent your plumbing infrastructure from working properly. Common signs of a blocked drain pipe include a gurgling drain, unpleasant odors coming from your sink, or slow draining water. Be on the lookout for these signs so that you know when to call a professional plumber who can stop your sink from gurgling.

Blocked Sewer Line

The purpose of the sewer line is to transport wastewater from each drain in your home to the main sewer system or the septic tank outside your house. When the sewer line is blocked, water travels back up the pipe instead of going down the drain. As a result, air becomes trapped inside of your plumbing system. This is why you may notice that your sink is gurgling after flushing the toilet, leaving you to wonder how to fix a gurgling sink.

A blocked sewer line typically occurs when you improperly dispose of certain objects, such as hair, grease, fats, foods, etc. These items put a significant amount of strain on your kitchen sink and bathroom sink. Be sure to avoid sending improper waste items down your sink, toilet, or garbage disposal, as this can quickly lead to clogged drains.

If your sewer line is blocked, call an emergency plumber near you for a professional drain cleaning.

Wondering how to fix your gurgling sink? Help is available. Whipple Service Champions provides top-tier plumbing, HVAC, and electric services in the Salt Lake City area. To learn more or to make an appointment to stop your sink from gurgling, give us a call today.