What’s That Gurgling Sound? Your Plumbing is Trying to Tell You Something!
At JOB Heating & Air Conditioning in Saskatoon, we are eager to provide the best possible customer experience; we aim to be a professional resource for our clients before, during and after the sale! Our team takes pride in our service knowledge regarding modern industry equipment and training. We are recognized by peers and offer sales, service, training & installations for residential and commercial Heating, Cooling and Plumbing systems in & around Saskatoon. In this article, Jeff Bolton goes over what a gurgling sound coming from your drain could mean, and what your plumbing is trying to tell you.
What’s That Gurgling Sound? Your Plumbing is Trying to Tell You Something!
Have you ever been washing your hands or flushing the toilet when you suddenly hear a strange gurgling noise coming from the drain? It might seem harmless—or even a little funny—but that sound is actually your plumbing sending you a warning!
Why Does Your Sink or Toilet Gurgle?
A gurgling sound coming from the drain happens when air gets trapped in your pipes. Instead of flowing freely through the plumbing system, it bubbles up through the water, creating that odd sound. This is usually caused by one of three things:
- A Clogged Drain: If water is draining slower than usual and you hear gurgling, a blockage is likely forming. Hair, grease, food particles, or other debris could be restricting the water flow, forcing air to escape in strange ways.
- A Blocked Vent Pipe: Your plumbing system has vent pipes that allow air to escape, helping water flow smoothly. If a vent pipe is clogged—often by debris, leaves, or even a bird’s nest—air has nowhere to go but back through your drains, creating that bubbly, gurgling effect.
- A Sewer Line Issue: If multiple drains in your home are gurgling at the same time, it could be a bigger problem—like a blockage or damage in the main sewer line. Tree roots, shifting soil, or aging pipes can lead to serious plumbing trouble if left unchecked.
How to Stop the Gurgling Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
If your sink, shower, or toilet starts making strange noises, don’t ignore it! Here’s what you can do:
- Try a Plunger First: A little elbow grease with a plunger can often clear minor clogs before they turn into full-blown blockages.
- Use a Drain Snake: For deeper clogs, a plumbing snake can help pull out hair, soap buildup, or other debris.
- Check Your Roof Vent: If you’re comfortable doing so, inspect your plumbing vent pipe for visible blockages. A quick spray from a garden hose can sometimes clear minor obstructions.
- Call in the Pros: If the gurgling keeps coming back or multiple drains are affected, it’s time to call a plumbing expert. A professional can inspect your system, clear tough blockages, and make sure everything is flowing properly.
Listen to Your Plumbing!
Your pipes don’t talk often, but when they do, they’re trying to tell you something important. If you hear that gurgling noise, take action before a small issue turns into a big plumbing disaster.
At JOB Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re not just about furnaces and AC—we know plumbing too! If your drains are gurgling, backing up, or acting weird, call us. We’ll make sure your plumbing stays quiet and problem-free!
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