So, how do I stop my double sink gurgling?
Let’s find out…
Well, in this post, I would be walking you through various aspects of sink gurgling including causes, solutions, and precaution in order to help you in the best possible way that I could.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Why is My Double Sink Gurgling?
Unlike smart devices, none of us want our sink to talk to us.
The double sink gurgling is definitely one mode of communication that we don’t to happen very often, isn’t it?
If you’re one among those who is hearing sink gurgling for the very first time then you might be wondering what is causing it, right?
In general, a sink gurgling sound is caused by air escaping from the drain.
The easiest way to get rid of sink gurgling is by preventing the air from the present from being in the wrong place.
Moreover, the air causing that noise is located inside your pipes where it is applying pressure — via push or pull — on the water in your drain’s P-trap.
The problem is further aggravated when the exit isn’t completely clear for air passage.
Furthermore, suction is caused in the drain due to obstruction and subsequent air pressure.
What actually it does is pull on the water in the P-trap making the air movement audible, and as water appears in the drain, it applies additional pressure as it navigates the obstruction.
Though there could be numerous reasons for the obstruction still we find grease, specks of dirt, and hair the main culprits.
Accumulation of such materials leads to clogging.
During the initial stage, a sink gurgling might seem to be a minor annoyance but if left untreated it can grow into a larger plumbing concern that might cost you a good lump sum.
I hope now you’re aware of the fact that sink gurgling is caused by air seeping through an existing blockage and so we can’t ignore the fact that there is potential for other debris, and specks of dirt to get trapped in this blockage as well.
Slowly and gradually, the accumulation of debris, dust, etc will increase, and as a result, the blockage will grow in size till the time pipe is completely jammed, and it might cause a dent in your pocket.
In layman’s terms, double sink gurgling is caused when something is preventing water or air from flowing through your drains.
As a result, water travels slowly and gradually through your drains leading to the formation of air bubbles as well as creating a gurgling sound.
No matter it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or even toilet sink, a gurgling sound can occur.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the potential causes of gurgling.
Blocked Drain
Many of you wouldn’t be aware of the fact that the primary cause for a gurgling sink is a partial or complete sink, shower, and bathtub clog.
Of course, partial clogging is different from complete clogging, and in order to reap maximum benefits from what we’re discussing in this post, you must know the differences between the two.
Partially Blocked
A partial clog gives birth to clogging by slowing the speed of water draining.
Also, it will lead to sinking gurgling.
In partially blocked, water will drain but will consume a good amount of time.
Completely Blocked
If a partially blocked drain is left untreated, it will lead to complete blockage.
A complete blockage is a phenomenon in which water starts to get accumulated in your sink.
Below is the list of reasons that contribute to the complete blockage of your sink drain.
- Dirt
- Hair
- Dead skin
- Soap residue
- Toilet paper build-up
- Oils or grease
Nonetheless, if multiple drains are experiencing blockage then the probability is very high that your sewer line is completely blocked.
In order to deal with such a problem, you would definitely need the help of an expert.
Blocked Sewer Line
You can think of a sewer line as a large single pipe that is responsible for carrying the wastewater from all the drains of your house to the septic tank aka the main sewer line present in your yard or street.
Needless to say, if the main sewer line is blocked then it will adversely impact all the drains of your house.
So, you might be wondering how can I be sure that the main sewer line is blocked?
Well, if you flush the toilet upstairs, and sewage starts to overflow from any basement drain then chances are quite high that your main sewer line is blocked.
Below is the list of obstructions for your sewer line.
- Tree roots (most common)
- Bathroom products
- Broken pipes
Out of the three, tree root is the main point of concern as its main source of nutrients is water, and so it can grow at an alarming rate especially in the older pipes in the search of water.
In the worst scenario, your sewer can NOT only choke with tree roots but can even break leading to an expensive repair.
So, it’s always advisable to get rid of these tree roots when the problem is small.
Another significant cause of clogged sewer lines is bathroom products such as Female hygiene products, Baby wipes, Diapers, Q-Tips, Dental floss, Paper towel, and most importantly, Tissues.
So, you need to deal with these products in such a way that it doesn’t become a point of concern for your sewer system.
Blocked Vent System
The function of a plumbing vent is to allow the air to pass through the drain without interrupting the flow of water.
In general, each and every fixture of your house is directly connected to a vent system that exits through the roof.
Your plumbing system will not work to its full potential if your vent pipe is partially or fully blocked.
Discovering whether your vent system is blocked or not is easy and anyone can do it by just following the below-mentioned steps.
- Listening for drain gurgling
- Observing the speed that your water drains
- Smelling for bad odours coming from your drain
The bad odor coming from your drainpipe is due to the trapping of air and gases in it.
Damaged or Blocked P-Trap
I hope most of you would be aware of the fact that the main function of a P-Trap is to protect your house from odors by creating a water seal.
What actually a water seal does is, prevents sewer gas from coming up and out of your drains.
If you’re not sure how a P-Trap looks then all you need to do is to take a look under the sink in your house, and you’ll find one.
It is a curved shape pipe that is responsible for holding a small amount of water.
By doing so, it effectively seals off the drain from sewer gas.
Moreover, if you can smell sewage then it’s high time you need to replace your P-Trap.
If during flushing your toilet if you’re experiencing a foul odor then it is quite possible that your P-Trap is incorrectly installed or partially damaged.
If you’re not getting any clue then the best thing that you can do is to hire a plumber :):)
You don’t have an option but to contact a professional if your P-Trap is found underground or in your wall.
How to Fix a Gurgling Double Sink?
So, now you’re aware of the double sink gurgling causes, let’s have a quick look at effective ways to fix it.
Don’t worry, all the steps and methods that we would be discussing in a while are newbie-friendly and can be expedited in an epigrammatic span of time.
Is Your Sink Vent Installed Correctly?
As mentioned earlier also, if you’re hearing the gurgling sound when water is drawn off the kitchen sink then it simply means you’ve got a problem with your vent.
When I say the problem is with your vent, I actually mean that either your vent is obstructed or improperly installed.
In order to deal with it, you need to make sure that the vent is properly fixed with a p-trap.
If you have a 1.5-inch drainage pipe, make sure the vent is fitted 3.5 feet from the lower part of the trap.
By doing so, you would be able to get rid of the vacuum that is created inside the vent which is definitely one of the main reasons for the gurgling sound.
Check the Air Admittance Valve
It is quite possible that not the vent but the drain features an air admittance valve.
In general, it is located beneath your kitchen double sink and is pressure-activated.
It is a substitute for conventional pipe and roof venting penetration.
All you need to do is to make sure the air admittance valve is in good health.
If the air admittance valve is either trapped or is immovable then it will lead to a gurgling sound.
Another reason could be the clogging of the valve.
On average, the lifespan of these valves falls in the range of 20-30 years.
Check for Clogs or Obstructions Inside the Drainage Pipe
We discussed earlier, the lack of proper air circulation in the drainage pipe may lead to an inadequate water flow rate.
As a result, slowly and gradually, specks of dirt, dust, debris, etc would start building up leading to an obstruction inside your pipe.
The easiest way to deal with such an issue is to clean the p-trap as frequently as possible so that blockage can be avoided.
For cleaning a p-trap, the first thing that needs to be done is to disassemble it.
To being with, position a bucket beneath it.
The coupling nuts need to be removed using pliers that connect the trap to the tailpiece of the sink and to the adjacent wall fitting.
Use a bottle brush made of nylon to clean inside the p-trap.
Before reassembling make sure it is spotless both inside and outside in order to optimize the benefits.
Else, you can purchase a replacement trap if you want to save your time and don’t want to get involved at this level.
Check for External Waste in the Sink Vents
The main problem with the vents that are extended to the exterior of the house is that it becomes the venue for the buildup of external wastage including plant leaves, specks of dirt, birds, insects, etc.
As a result, water-free flow is obstructed and ends up stacked at the joints.
Just by clearing these extended vents, you can get rid of gurgling noise.
Simply flush water through the opening of the vent and you’re done.
In order to remove nasty garbage stacked inside, you’ll have to drain the vents using a significant amount of water pressure.
A plumbing auger could be a great alternative to deal with the problem effectively.
The auger needs to be pushed deep inside the drain to an extent that it reaches the blocked zone.
Using an auger you would be able to push or pull out the debris making the space free for water flow.
Flush the Sink
In some cases, simply flushing your double sink properly will help you to get rid of the gurgling sound.
By doing so, you would be able to move food particles and other debris from your plumbing system to the main sewer system effectively.
To get rid of any blockage, you’ll have to run excessively water for a couple of minutes.
Excessive water will create pressure on the debris present in a drainage pipe and will move it to the main sewer system.
Troubleshoot the Main Vent
If you’re hearing a gurgling sound in your kitchen sink by draining a bathtub or flushing a toilet, then it simply depicts that the central vent is blocked.
All you need to do is to clean the main vent till the time vacuum becomes strong enough to drain the trap.
In general, the main vent is located above the main bathroom so the convenient way to clean it is via the roof.
Use a sewer auger to clean it.
Wrapping Up | Double Sink Gurgling
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information on the topic of Double Sink Gurgling.
And, in case, you liked our effort and want to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
Do let us know in the comment section what do you think about this post on Double Sink Gurgling in the comment section.
By following the steps and methods mentioned above you would be able to deal with double sink gurgling in an effective way without spending a fortune.
We’ve been recommending the same methods to our clients and till now the feedback has been promising and positive.
That’s all, as of now :):)
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