Typically, a gurgling sink means that there is a blockage somewhere in your drainage system, and this could either be in the main drain pipe, the air vent, or both. Every drainage system has an air vent, which enables water to flow through unimpeded and prevents pipes becoming vacuum-sealed due to a lack of air.
If your washing machine drain was improperly installed, air will never reach the pipes, and your toilet will gurgle. Your sewer line is blocked – If multiple fixtures in your house are gurgling, there's a chance your sewer line is blocked.
If your sink is backing up only when the washing machine is draining, for example, the likelihood is that the blockage is in the washing machine pipe. A clogged plumbing vent pipe may also be the culprit. Without proper air pressure, your sinks, shower and tub water might drain slowly.
Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need to call a professional to clear the drain for you. Luckily, you can avoid major clogs by not putting food and grease down your kitchen drain. There are also enzymes available that can help keep pipes clear and remove minor blockages.
A common cause of water hammer can be fast-acting valves on appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. These valves suddenly stop the water that is moving along the pipes. A shockwave results and this causes the pipes to shudder, causing the banging.
Observe the washing machine as it pumps water into the hoses and up into the standpipe. If you see water back up and out of the standpipe, your washer's drain is most likely the issue. The amount of time it takes for the standpipe to fill up and overflow helps you diagnose where the clog is located.
Over time, grease, food particles, and other debris can collect in the P-trap and cause a clog. If this happens, it can prevent water from flowing through the drains and lead to a double kitchen sink backing up to the other side.
The gurgling noise coming from your sink is actually caused by air escaping from the drain. It's important to note: this air should NOT be there in the first place. The air causing that noise is located inside your pipes where it is applying pressure — via push or pull — on the water in your drain's P-trap.
Some call it gurgling; others say bubbling. One thing we can all agree on is that it's a plumbing issue you want to fix right away. A gurgling sink can be caused by a clog in the interior plumbing or sewer line, or a problem with the drain venting. Either way, if ignored, the issue will only get worse.
If your kitchen sink is gurgling, it's telling you there's a problem with airflow in the drain pipe. There could be a clog or blockage or even improper installation. A plumber can listen to the gurgle and quickly determine how best to get rid of it.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog.
Slow drains may not always be due to clogs.
Plumbing vents, soap buildup, and garbage disposal malfunctions are among the most common culprits. Understanding these different causes can help you better determine the best course of action to address the issue with your kitchen sink.
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
If you don't feel prepared to manually take apart your laundry unit and use a drain snake to clear dense debris from your clogged washing machine drain, you can also try flushing out your drainage systems with non-caustic home cleaning mixtures, typically made of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.
For Minor Clogs
Now if hot water won't solve the problem, you may also use the popular duo, baking soda and vinegar. Pour a box of baking soda into the washing machine drain pipe. After that, follow through with 2 to 3 cups of vinegar. Plug the drain pipe immediately and let the fizzing reaction take place.
In homes, water hammer often occurs when a washing machine valve closes after the drum reaches full capacity. Water continues to flow rapidly. It has nowhere to go, so slams against the side of the pipe, which can bump against other pipes or the frame in the wall.
It could be a surge or drop in water pressure, a clogged air chamber, or a sudden turning off of water at the shut-off valves. Can a plumber fix water hammer? Plumbers are your best experts for fixing water hammer, although a handyperson, subcontractor, or DIYer can do it too.
First try a handheld drum auger to clean the laundry drain. A 25 foot handheld drum auger can be purchased for around $30. The auger can pass through most small-diameter traps that are present in laundry drain lines. And, if the clog contains fibers or hair the spiral tip might pull out some of the residue.
As long as you add bicarbonate of soda straight into the drum and run a rinse cycle afterwards, it won't damage your washer. However, adding a lot of dry bicarb to your detergent drawer could lead to clogs in the system over time if not cleaned out regularly.
– A clogged vent pipe: This is often the cause of gurgling noises from a bathroom sink. – A clogged garbage disposal: If food or other debris is clogging the disposal, it can cause the sink to gurgle. – A broken P-trap: If the P-trap has been damaged, it can cause water to drain slowly and create a vacuum.