If you hear your drain making gurgling noises several moments after using the sink, shower, and in more extreme cases the toilet, then it may be a result of a blocked drain or vent pipe. Often times, the mixture of dirt and grease can build up in the drains and the plumbing. This buildup can cause the water to drain slowly. As a result, the air bubbles can not go through the pipes and get expelled at the nearest hole, resulting in a gurgling noise that is audible to the user. In a clean drain and line, water and air bubbles can easily flow together down a drain, with the air and water getting expelled in their appropriate spots. If there is a gurgling noise that is present for every drain in the house however, then it is evident that there is a larger blockage in the main pipe rather than a smaller pipe attached to the fitting drain.

One of the best ways to prevent this is to abstain from pouring anything down the drain that may cause a build up such as food, hair, grease, etc. In the event that there is already a buildup, there are many chemical solutions that can be poured into the drains to clean the drains. When using the solutions, make sure to follow directions closely. The solutions are toxic and may cause personal injury. Additionally, if you do not let the solution sit long enough it may not work correctly. If the problem persists, you should use a “snake” to physically unclog the areas. A snake is a long, flexible, coiled metal wire that can reach far and deep into the plumbing of your house and break up the debris. Use the snake with enough force to break off the build up, yet not so aggressively that you will damage the pipes and cause a leak.

Another reason you may be hearing the gurgling noises is a blocked vent pipe. The vent pipe is connected to all the main plumbing pipes in the house and is vented out through the roof of the house. This vent may be blocked because of leaves, a bird’s nest, accumulated dirt, etc. Due to the blockage, the air can not be ejected through the vent. Thus the air is forced to escape through the nearest opening, which is usually the last sink used, and results in a gurgling noise.

The vent is usually on the roof, so only a trained professional with experience should attempt to unblock the vent because it is a dangerous task. The professional needs to check the cap that blocks leaves and animals from falling into the vent. Use TalkLocal to find a high quality plumber in your area.

Fixing the pipes under your bathroom sink can seem intimidating but it is definitely doable. To correctly fix a leaking pipe under bathroom sink, you should identify exactly where the problem is.

1)   The pipes have loose connections.

Sometimes your pipes will leak because a connector has come loose. This is a very simple issue and can be fixed in a snap. To tighten up any loose connections, you will need a pipe wrench, a pair of channel lock pliers, and plumber’s tape.  You should first tighten up the drain flange with the pipe wrench by turning the retaining nut about a quarter of a turn. Now you can tighten the rest of the connections between the pipes using the channel lock pliers. If some sections continue to leak even after being tightened, you should disconnect them and apply new plumber’s tape. Then, reconnect them and see if this stops the leaking.

2)   The pipes themselves are failing.

Another problem that may cause leaking is that the pipes are actually failing and need to be replaced. First and foremost, turn the water off. Use channel lock pliers to remove the pipes from the drain pipe and wall. Take the whole thing to the hardware store so you can find an exact match. Make sure you also get new slip nuts as well. Install the pipes and see if the leaking stops.

3)   The sink’s drain flange has gone bad.

You may have a more serious issue if you sink’s drain flange is broken. You should disconnect the sink trap using the channel lock pliers and swing it out of the way. Use the pliers to remove the slip nut connecting the drain flange to the sink and take out the retaining nut with a pipe wrench. You should inspect the flange and see what needs to be replaced. It could be an easy fix with replacing the plumber’s putty, or something more serious if anything is bent or cracked.

Continuing Problems

If you continue to have problems with your pipes leaking, you should seek professional help. Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local plumbing businesses. You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will do the rest. Within minutes your should be connected to someone who can help you out.