When there is a blockage, air can get trapped in the pipes. As the air tries to escape through the water in the pipes, it creates gas bubbles, and this is most often the source of the gurgling sound in your sink.
When your washing machine drains or your toilet flushes, but the vent has a clog, the trapped air will come through the tub drain and agitate the water in the pipe, creating a gurgling sound. Cleaning the vent cover or using a handheld vacuum to suck out any obstructions in the pipe may alleviate the issue.
Issues like blockages in the air vent or the sink's P-trap can cause this sound. A professional plumber can find and fix these problems to stop the gurgling.
First, pour boiling water down the drain to clear any minor clogs caused by soap residue or hair build-up. If that doesn't work, use a plunger to create suction and dislodge any blockages. To reduce clogs, try installing a catch net on your shower drain.
A common reason for a washing machine not draining is a blockage in the drain hose. This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose. To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it.
Use a Lint Filter
This is why we always recommend attaching a lint filter to the end of the washing machine drain hose. You can find many different lint filters that are specifically designed to capture lint and prevent it from going down the drain.
Gurgling pipes are a sign of either a clogged drain line or a clogged vent pipe. Obstacles can block water or air from freely flowing through your pipes. This results in trapped air or gas bubbles, which is the gurgling sound you may hear.
For this home remedy, all you need to do is pour a pot of boiling water down the bathtub drain. Then pour a mixture of one cup baking soda and one cup vinegar into the drain. Insert the drain plug, or close the filter, and wait 5–10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another pot of boiling water.
So in summary – clogged drains, blocked vents, main sewer clogs, and incorrect pipe slopes are basically the four common culprits of a gurgling drain. Once you can pinpoint which one might be your particular issue, you can start exploring the right tactics to get that plumbing symphony silenced once and for all.
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. The banging gets worse as the valves are worn.
Run the Drainpipe Into an Existing Vent Stack
The easiest and most effective way to vent a washing machine is to run the drainpipe into your home's vent stack.
Sometimes, water might back up in the kitchen sink while you're doing a load of laundry, or your bathtub will fill with water. Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need to call a professional to clear the drain for you.
If sewage is backing up from plumbing fixtures or drains, stop using water in your home (such as the shower or washing machine). If the backup stops, it is likely that your private lateral sewer is blocked and you might be able to restore drainage by rootering or jetting the line.
When your drain is partially blocked, a complete clog isn't far behind. The water will be draining slower than usual and the gurgling would have begun. Once you start noticing a slower drain, immediately clean your drains with drain cleaner.
Partially Blocked Drain
When considering how to fix your gurgling drain, turn first to your drain lines. If you're hearing gurgling and noticing the water draining much slower than usual, then a partial block might be to blame. You should clean your drain using a plunger or snake to stop a complete clog in its tracks.
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.
Start by using a plunger to try and clear any basic blockages. This can often solve simple clogs. If that doesn't work, the next step is to check the P-trap under the sink. Cleaning out the P-trap can often remove debris that causes clogging.
A plumbing vent or “stack” as the pros call it, runs from your plumbing through your attic to the top of your roof. It's best to have your plumbing vent atop your roof to let noxious fumes leave your home above nose level.
If water is backing up after a couple of loads, it probably means the backup is past the toilet and may be a clog in the main line. Your lines need cleared from a main line cleanout, which is a professional job for plumbing companies.
Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.
The best way to prevent issues with your washing machine's drain pipes is to conduct a maintenance wash on your appliance at least once a month. This includes washing the detergent drawer and washing machine filter, which can help prevent a blockage in the drain pipe.