Why is there a weird sound coming from my drain?

Author: Miss Alycia Schowalter  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

When a clog develops in the drains or pipes, it traps some air around it, forming an air pocket. The gurgling sound is nothing but those air pockets or bubbles making their way up forcefully along with water through the pipe.

What is the strange noise in my drain?

Clogged Drain Line: A buildup of waste or debris in the drain line can create air pockets, leading to gurgling sounds. Sewer Line Issues: If there's a problem with the sewer line, such as a blockage or break, it can cause gurgling sounds throughout your plumbing.

How do I stop my drain from making noise?

That noise means there's blockage somewhere. Clear the traps in sinks, then Snake the drains, then use a plunger, then use a pipe cleaning brush to clean the pipes is the way this is corrected thoroughly. Plunger Tips that's helpful you may not know:

Why is there an air sound coming from my drain?

The sound is that of air being drawn into the drain. In order for water to flow down the drain air must replace it. That is why plumbing has what are called vents. If your sink is particularly loud you may not have proper venting.

What to do if your drains are gurgling?

This can be due to a number of reasons, such as dirt, hair, oil and toilet paper stuck in or just below the drain. If multiple drains are clogged, however then your sewer line could be the issue. In this scenario we recommend contacting our emergency plumbing team to resolve the problem right away.

A plumber shows how to solve a gurgling noise from a sink drain

Why does my sink drain randomly gurgle?

That gurgling sound coming from your sink isn't just an annoyance—it's often a sign of bigger problems like clogged drains, leaking pipes, or sewer gas backups. Not only are Issues like these unpleasant to deal with, but they are also potentially hazardous if left unaddressed.

Why is water bubbling up from my drain?

When the drain is clogged, water flow is restricted. As you run water, air trapped in the pipes due to the blockage is forced upwards, causing bubbles to emerge from the drain. Various materials, including hair, grease, food particles, and other debris, can accumulate over time and cause such blockages.

What does air trapped in pipes sound like?

Air in water pipes will sound like a hiss or pop. Alternatively, the trapped air can cause loud gurgling and prolonged vibrating noises. Other sounds are loud noises and bangs emanating from the pipes; this clearly indicates air traveling in the pipes.

How do I know if my drain is air locked?

Pay attention to sluggish drains or dysfunctional toilet flushes. These can indicate that air is trapped inside the pipes. If you hear a lot of strange gurgling noises or notice bubbling when using sinks or flushing toilets, then it's time to call local plumbers who can further assess the situation.

Why are my pipes making noise when draining?

The four most common causes of pipes making noise when water is turned on, toilets are flushed, and water is drained include pressure issues, the air in pipes, clogs or obstructions, and loose components.

How to fix a noisy drain?

If there's a partial clog in the P-trap, it will disrupt the water flow and could cause a gurgling sound. In some cases, you can remove the P-trap and easily remove any blockage, or you may have to use a plumber's snake through the sink drain.

How to get rid of air in drain pipes?

Several methods can help eliminate air from a piping system: Install an Air Vent: Attach an air vent to the pipe to release trapped air from the system. Use a Drain Pump: A drain pump extracts both air and water from the system to clear the pipes.

What does a clogged pipe sound like?

Whistling or Squealing Noises: These sounds often signify a restricted water flow, usually caused by a partially closed valve, a worn-out faucet washer, or a malfunctioning pressure-reducing valve. Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds: These noises can suggest a drain clog or a ventilation issue in your plumbing system.

How to stop drain from making noise?

Regular drain cleaning with a simple mixture of baking soda, hot water, and vinegar can work wonders in keeping clogs at bay and preventing future gurgling sounds.

Should I worry about noisy pipes?

Squeaking or whistling noisy pipes indicate something is wrong with the flow of water through the pipes. There could be an obstruction in the plumbing line. There could be a defective washer or aerator if the sound is coming from a faucet. Your shut-off valve may be partly closed.

How to get rid of air in water pipes?

Remove air from your pipes in five easy steps:
  1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Valve. ...
  2. Open all the faucets in your house. ...
  3. Wait for All Faucets to Run Dry and Flush Toilets. ...
  4. Turn the Main Water Supply Back On. ...
  5. Turn All Faucets Off Again in the Correct Order.

What is the air sound coming from my sink drain?

Gurgling is the sound of trapped air in your P-trap. The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink that generally contains water to block odors and gases from your sewage. It also serves as a catch tray for items that may fall into your sink that should not have.

Will a blocked drain clear itself?

In some cases, a blocked drain can clear itself. This depends on the cause and severity of the blockage. For example, minor clogs caused by soap scum or small debris might eventually break down and wash away. Most blockages stem from more persistent issues, such as hair, food waste, or tree roots.

What happens when air is trapped in pipes?

Low Water Pressure: Trapped air can impede the flow of water, resulting in lower water pressure throughout your plumbing fixtures. Gurgling Sounds: Air bubbles moving through the pipes can create gurgling or bubbling noises, particularly when water is running.

What does a pipe sound like before it bursts?

One of the earliest signs of breaks or leaks is unusual noise. Strange noises like trickling, gurgling, or hissing can hint at a leak. The volume of the sound typically indicates the severity of the problem, but not always. Volume can also increase or decrease depending on the diameter of the affected pipe.

What does a clogged drain sound like?

#1: Gurgling

This peculiar noise is often an indication of a clogged or partially blocked drain. When water tries to flow through the obstruction, it creates air bubbles that produce a gurgling sound.

Can air in pipes fix itself?

Airlocks do sometimes fix themselves, but it isn't a risk worth taking. Airlocks occur when air becomes trapped in the hot water or central heating system. Vapour becomes caught in a high point of the pipework because the gas is less dense than the water in the system.

Why do I hear water in my drain?

Noise #1: Gurgling

This peculiar noise is often an indication of a clogged or partially blocked drain. When water tries to flow through the obstruction, it creates air bubbles that produce a gurgling sound.

Why does my drain pipe make a gurgling sound?

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.

What is a rumbling drain?

A gurgling basin drain could mean that there's a partial blockage or clog somewhere in the system. When trapped air forces its way around the blockage it creates bubbles in the pipes and results in the gurgling noises you hear in the pipes and drains. These noises echo through the drains and up through the basins.

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