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Why Are My Drains Making Gurgling Sounds?

The sound of gurgling water or sludge backing up from the drains into your home indicates more severe plumbing problems that need to be fixed. Bubbles of air trapped in pipes and propelled through water create a distinctive gurgling sound. An occasional gurgling sound isn’t a problem, but if it happens frequently, you should investigate it. Understanding the possible reasons is helpful in properly resolving the issue and avoiding more significant plumbing problems in the future.

Partial Blockages in the Drain Pipes

Partially clogged pipes are a common cause of gurgling drains. The inside of your drain pipes can become clogged with food scraps, hair, soap scum, and other substances as time goes on. As the accumulation increases, the pipe’s diameter and water flow decrease. Water can form air pockets as it flows through partially obstructed places. You’ll hear the gurgling sound as air pockets move through the pipes. When there’s a lot of water draining, such as running a washing machine or emptying a bathtub, the noise is usually more audible.

Clogged Vent Pipes

Vent pipes in your home’s plumbing system go to the roof, called a vent stack. These vents let air into the system to ensure proper drainage and avoid pipe vacuum effects. When a vent pipe becomes clogged, it throws off the plumbing system’s air balance. There is a net decrease in pipe pressure as water flows out of a system, and vent pipes usually release air to equalize pressure. However, when leaves, debris, or even small animals make their homes in the drains, they force air into the system through the drains rather than the vents, causing gurgling noises.

Blocked Sewer Line

A clog in your main sewer line is a significant reason for gurgling drains. This pipe is responsible for transporting your household wastewater to either the main sewer system or your septic tank. Any time this line gets clogged, it might lead to gurgling sounds coming from various drains in your house. Some of the most common causes of clogged sewer lines include tree roots, collapsed pipes, and the accumulation of non-biodegradable things that people flush down the toilet. If the problem is severe, you may smell a foul odor, see sluggish draining in various fixtures, and hear a gurgling noise.

Improper Venting in the Plumbing System

Proper venting is essential to keep the air pressure balanced in your pipes and ensure the water flows smoothly. Water that drains slowly due to air pockets in the pipes caused by improper venting can make gurgling sounds. If you hear noises, you may have an issue with the plumbing system’s layout or positioning of the vents. Vents that are too small for the amount of water they have to handle, vents that are too far away from fixtures, and inadequate venting for intricate plumbing designs are all examples of problems that can arise from poor vent design. Home extensions and renovations don’t always play nicely with the ventilation system, which might cause issues in some situations.

Accumulation of Grease or Fat in Kitchen Drains

Even when melted fat or grease goes down the drain, it will harden and stick to the pipes as it cools. When left unchecked for long enough, this accumulation can drastically reduce the pipe’s diameter and cause partial blockages. Water can make gurgling sounds as it flows through these constricted areas because it can form air pockets. Further aggravating the issue is the fact that grease accumulation can ensnare food fragments and other bits of trash.

The buildup of Soap Scum or Hair in Bathroom Drains

The combination of soap and the minerals found in hard water can result in the formation of soap scum, a sticky film that adheres to the inside of pipes. This residue is easy for hair to tangle with, and when it does, it forms clumps that cut off water circulation. The gurgling noises occur due to the air pockets that form as water attempts to pass through these partially obstructed locations. People with long hair or who frequently bathe their pets in the tub tend to experience this problem the most.

Tree Roots Infiltrating Sewer Lines

Sewer lines are vulnerable to root invasions because tree roots can squeeze into even the tiniest openings in search of water. The gurgling sounds you hear in your drains could result from partial or complete blockages caused by the roots’ expansion and growth within the pipe. Root penetration is a slow process that can take years. If the problem is serious, you may hear gurgling, delayed draining, or reoccurring obstructions. Older homes with clay or concrete pipes are more likely to experience this problem because of their increased susceptibility to cracking.

Damaged or Deteriorated Pipes

Pipes are vulnerable to damage and degradation from natural causes such as ground shifting, corrosion, and the passage of time. Cracks, perforations, or collapsed parts in damaged pipes can cause air pockets to form and interrupt the regular water flow, leading to gurgling sounds. Damaged pipes also cause unattended water leaks, which wastewater and threaten your home’s structural integrity. Damp patches in your yard, water stains on walls or ceilings, or inexplicable rises in water bills are other symptoms of broken pipes.

Issues With the P-Trap

Under many sinks and other plumbing fixtures, you can see a U-shaped pipe segment called a P-trap. It mainly holds some water, forming a seal that stops sewage gases from entering your house. Water passing through a partially clogged P-trap might produce gurgling noises as air bubbles form. Also, if the P-trap stops holding water because of occasional use or if there is a clog further down the line that causes siphoning, air, and sewage gases can bubble up into the drain and make a lot of noise.

Backflow From the Sewer System

Backflow from either the main sewer system or your septic tank could be the source of some gurgling sounds. Heavy rains or clogs in the main sewer system are two potential causes. The gurgling noise you hear is the sewer system trying to push water and air back up through your home’s pipes because it’s overwhelmed. Because it allows polluted water to enter your home’s plumbing system, backflow is a significant concern.

Fluctuations in Water Pressure

An abrupt change in water pressure could result in a buildup of air in the pipes. These air bubbles might make gurgling noises as they travel through the system. Several things can go wrong with your home’s water heater, the pressure regulator, or the public water supply, all of which can lead to pressure changes.

If you hear gurgling noises coming from one or more drains in your home, Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical can help. We also specialize in HVAC repairs and installations, duct cleaning and sealing, electrical installations, surge protection, and more. Call Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical now to schedule professional drain cleaning in Weatherford, TX.

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Gary Lightfoot

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Gary Lightfoot took over his family business and continues to run it with the values and standards set 35 years ago

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