Steps from the Pros on How to Fix a Gurgling Bathroom Sink
When you have foul-smelling gases bubbling from your pipes, you might need a professional plumber to show you how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink, bathtub, or toilet. Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., Elburn’s trusted plumbers, guides customers through fixing many plumbing problems, from simple clogs to stubborn obstructions and burst pipes.
Why Do Sinks Gurgle?
Sinks gurgle because gases from the sewer system become stuck in your sewer lines. You cannot determine how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink without first identifying and understanding where the gas is coming from. You must also pinpoint why the gas cannot leave your plumbing system normally.
A Clogged Drain
Decomposing material in plumbing can generate gases. If a clogged drain prevents these gases from entering the sewer system, they will rise through the pipes.
A P-trap (or U-bend) in the pipe underneath the sink should prevent gases from coming back up through the drain. Check the P-trap for damage.
A Clogged Sewer Line
Sometimes, clogs further down in your plumbing system trap waste and debris in the sewer line. This clogging can make gases back up through the entire house. A backup of sewage into your toilets and sinks can pose a serious health hazard and reduce your quality of life.
If the sewer line is the culprit, you don’t have to worry about how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink on your own. A professional plumber will use a snake to clear out the obstruction from the sewer line. At worst, if the sewer line does not respond to snaking, the plumber might have to excavate to remove the clog.
A Blocked Sewer Vent
Another place where sewer gases can build up in your plumbing system is the pipes connecting to air vents in the roof. Normally, vents allow sewer gases to escape your home and dissipate harmlessly in the air.
Why Is It Crucial to Fix a Gurgling Sink?
Homeowners who do not know how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink may put off dealing with the problem. However, the gurgling sounds and odors often signify deeper issues that will worsen if you ignore them.
If pipes and vents have blockages, they might also be under pressure and at risk of bursting. A burst sewer line could release toxic waste into your basement or another part of your home.
If a sewer line sustains intrusion from tree branches or a stubborn clog, the pipe could have structural damage. Only a professional plumber can address these more complex issues.
Clogged air vents could indicate that the roof is aging and needs maintenance. If gutters, vents, and other parts of your roof are failing, your home may experience roof leaks and other problems.
You might not always be able to locate the source of the gurgling noises without the help of a professional plumber. If you can trace the source of gurgling noises on your own, you can help professional plumbers anticipate the plumbing issues affecting your property.
Step 1: Try to Unclog the Drain
If gases bubble up from only one drain, the problem could be a simple drain clog. Run water down the drain and see if the water backs up. If it does, try the following home remedies for clogs before calling a plumber.
- Plunge the sink with a cup plunger. If the gurgling sound comes from a toilet, use a flange plunger.
- Clean the drain pipes by pouring a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain and letting them sit.
- Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the sink because they could damage the pipes. They could also bubble back up again and damage your sink.
- If you want to use a commercially available drain cleaner, look for one that uses enzymes instead of caustic chemicals to remove organic material.
If a drain clog is not the issue, you might have to work a little harder to determine how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink.
Step 2: Look for Evidence of a Sewer Line Leak
If you run the water down one drain and gases bubble up from a drain or toilet in a different part of the house, you may have a sewer line clog.
Sewer lines are typically at a considerable distance from the drains. You might not be able to reach the clog on your own. Call a professional plumber to snake the sewer line and remove the clog.
Step 3: Check the Sewer Vent on the Roof
If you are comfortable climbing onto your roof, you might be able to clear out obstructions to your sewer vent. After you remove any blockages within reach, flush the vent with a garden hose.
Call a professional plumber for vent cleaning if you want to avoid the risk of falls or damaging your roof.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional Plumber?
Perhaps none of these home remedies resolved the gurgling noises, or your plumbing problems are more complex than the clogs and blockages above. In either case, it’s time to call a professional plumber to fix a gurgling bathroom sink.
It is a good idea to call a plumber periodically to maintain and inspect your pipes, even if you don’t notice any obstructions or gurgling sounds. Regular cleanings and maintenance checks prevent clogs from building up.
Learn How to Fix Gurgling Bathroom Sinks from Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co.
Don’t risk damage to your plumbing by trying to fix your gurgling sink without assistance. Turn to the plumbing experts in Elburn, IL for an efficient and long-lasting repair of the underlying problem. With our help, your plumbing system will return to being a silent, well-functioning part of your home.
The plumbing team at Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. knows how to fix a gurgling bathroom sink, handle plumbing maintenance issues, and repair your plumbing system. Find out what to do when the sink drain smells like sewer gases, or call (847) 268-3553 for help with any plumbing systems.
