In the U.S., water systems consist of municipal water facilities and water towers. These systems create an effective means of sending clean water to your home.
However, many overlook the system that carries our dirty water away. This system starts in your home sinks and drains.
A sink gurgling is a sign that something is not right in your pipes. You ignore a vital warning if you think your sink gurgles for no reason.
If you are curious about what this signifies and how to fix it then we can help. Keep reading to figure out how to get the help you need.
Is Sink Gurgling Normal?
If you hear your kitchen sink gurgling, it might seem perfectly harmless and normal. It is not a normal sound, however, and should be addressed right away.
The gurgling sound coming from your sink drain is the result of air escaping as water drains. Air pockets result from jams in the pipes that disrupt the water from flowing smoothly.
Gurgling sounds mean you have an issue in your pipes, resulting in air pockets getting into the pipes. This is true for kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or other drains in your home. If you hear gurgling sounds, something is wrong inside the pipes.
Causes and Potential Issues
A gurgling sink means there is air trapped inside the pipes. The most common cause of the gurgling noise is food, dirt, or other grime trapped in your pipes.
If your tap water hits a disruption while flowing through the pipes, it creates air pockets. This is why it will start making gurgling and slurping noises.
If your sink gurgles but drains fine, it is likely because the clog is not that big yet. This is known as a partial clog and is relatively superficial.
However, the cause can also be much deeper down in the drainpipe. In cities and municipalities in the U.S., there are municipal wastewater systems.
These systems remove all wastewater from homes and take it to a cleaning facility. A tree root or crack experienced along this line can create a gurgling noise in your pipes.
How to Fix a Gurgling Sink Drain
Superficial clogs can usually be fixed with a plunger, such as a partial clog in your sink drain. Let your sink tap water flow and use the plunger simultaneously.
The pressure from the water and the suction power of the plunger will usually draw out the clog. However, if you notice your sink is not draining correctly, it could be blocked entirely.
If you suspect your drain is completely clogged, the plunger will likely be insufficient. You could use boiling water or drain cleaner to break down the disruption.
When this fails to clear your pipes, there may be a deeper disruption in the pipes. If you suspect this, you should visit this local plumber for help.
Don’t Ignore Your Sink Gurgling
A sink gurgling is annoying, but it can also break your pipes. Your pipes under your sink are typically plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVP). This substance is resilient and robust, which is why plumbers use it.
However, they also leak much easier than the thick, metal pipes beneath your house. When these smaller PVP pipes get clogged, they are more likely to burst or break.
It is best to get your pipes fixed right away to play it safe. If you hear gurgling, don’t ignore it.