There are multiple plumbing fixtures in a home, including sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines, which all interact with water. Sometimes, these units run into problems and can result in clogs or partial blockages. Suddenly, that annoying, gurgling sound can be heard as a warning to the homeowner. If ignored, they can develop into complicated issues. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Clean Them Monthly?
Kitchen, shower and toilet drains are busy features in a home and require a bit of maintenance to avoid problems down the road. Licensed plumbers recommend cleaning your drains once a month to avoid a gurgling drain and to dissolve any blockages. You can do it yourself by pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar, waiting 15 minutes and running boiling water down the drain to clear it out.
It’s All About the Trapped Air
Gurgling drains mean there’s a clog or blockage in the system. Trapped air forces its way around the blockage by forming bubbles in the pipes. This, in turn, results in the gurgling noises you hear in the pipes and drains. If the drain is completely clogged, then you will see stagnant water sitting in your basin.
Sometimes, the gurgling can be heard in the basin or the sink, and the partial blockage should be easier to attack since the gurgling isn’t coming from further down into the pipes. A gurgling basin can also mean there’s a problem with the vent system. All plumbing systems feature a vent designed to balance air and water flow. A blocked vent means poor air flow and the dreaded gurgling sound.
Not every homeowner knows how to unclog a drain or wants to mess around with removing the basin stopper and the pivot rod and using a drain snake to extract the stuff from in the drain. It’s not a pleasant chore for many folks to remove soap scum buildup, dirt and debris and hair that often accumulate.
Blockages in Multiple Drains Happen, Too
Your entire plumbing system may have to be examined if the gurgling noises are coming from multiple drains in the home. You could have a blocked sewer line, and if that’s the case, it will affect every drain in the house.
Sometimes, flushing things like dental floss, baby wipes or female hygiene products can clog the sewer lines and result in repeated gurgling sounds.
Gurgling noises are not something that you can ignore. The problem will only get worse as time goes on. If you’re residing in Denver, CO, and looking for clean, clear drains, call the experts at Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air today for the ultimate in drain cleaning services.