The dishes are done, and waste water is going down the drain. Then you notice a glug-glug-glug coming from the drain. Why does your sink gurgle? Is your gurgling sink dangerous? Your gurgling sink most likely does not pose a serious hazard, but the gurgle is a tell-tale sound indicating something is wrong. In this article, we’ll find out why and how to address the gurgling sink.

The Source of the Sound

The answer to why is my sink gurgling is trapped air. Because of a blockage in the pipe or an issue with the vent pipe, air bubbles or air pockets gather in the pipes. As water is forced into the air space and the air moves, it creates the ‘glugging’ sound of a gurgling drain.

Why Is My Kitchen Sink Gurgling? 

Drain

Pieces of food, hair, grease, and other elements can build and restrict water flow over time. This can trap air and result in gurgling.

P-trap

Designed to keep gasses from coming up from the sewer, the P-trap, or P shaped pipe under the sink, can develop a blockage and trap air.

Air vent pipe

Designed to balance air pressure in the pipes, the vent can become blocked. That creates a suction with trapped air and gurgling appears.

Sewer lines

A more drastic problem is if there is a blockage in the main sewer line. This can cause a gurgling problem for all of the drains in your home.

What Do You Do If You Have A Kitchen Sink That Gurgles?

There are several steps that you can take to rid yourself of the sound of a gurgling sink especially if you are handy around the house.

1. Plunger

It can be useful to have a dedicated plunger that can be used for drains outside of the bathroom. Be sure to create a good seal with the drain, and with a dual sink, make sure that the other side’s drain hole is tightly covered.

2. Baking Soda And Vinegar

If the plunger doesn’t help, then baking soda and vinegar can be a good home remedy. Shake one half of a box of baking soda into the drain. Then, pour a cup of vinegar, cover the drain hole, and wait. After 30 minutes, pour a pot of near boiling water down after the vinegar. 

3. P-Trap

As this is where blockages regularly occur, removing and cleaning this may be the solution. Be ready with teflon tape or pipe dope to ensure that the re-tightened connections under the sink won’t leak. 

4. Plumber’s Snake

As an ‘extra-handy’ option, it is possible to rent a manual or powered plumber’s snake from several locations through the GTA. These can take care of more stubborn blockages, but be warned. Improper use can cause pipe damage, and that could mean costly pipe replacement. These tools are best left to the professionals. 

5. Call in the Professionals

You have done your due diligence, but the blockage is especially stubborn. It is time to call in the pros and have them take care of the problem.

Our name says it all. We inspect, diagnose, and treat your pipes just like a doctor’s house call. Being a local company, our years of experience and knowledge of drainage systems mean that we are going to fix your kitchen sink gurgling right the first time. For your peace of mind, contact Drain Clinic today for a free estimate.

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