While major drainage issues with your plumbing are hard to ignore, diagnosing the causes of noises coming from pipes and drains can be more challenging. Gurgling noises, for instance, could be a sign of something as simple as a clogged drain, or as complicated as a poorly vented plumbing installation. If you’ve noticed gurgling or any other unusual noise from your drains or toilet, here are several possible causes and solutions for each.
Problem 1: Bathroom Sink Gurgles When Tub or Toilet Drains
In the bathroom, where multiple drains are situated close to one another, identifying a drainage issue becomes easier. Homeowners in Marietta often report instances where gurgling occurs from the sink or toilet when the shower drains. This problem typically suggests a system-wide clog.
Solution 1: Plumber's Snake
Although industrial drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that could cause more harm than good if used excessively, a professional plumbing snake remains the most effective tool for the job. While you might be able to rent one from a home improvement store, plumbers in Marietta can take care of the issue much more efficiently.
Problem 2: Gurgling Sound Persists Despite Clean Indoor Drains
If your indoor drains are clear, but you still experience gurgling plumbing in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area, the problem could lie in the drains on your home’s roof. Blockages may be caused by debris, vermin, or various objects obstructing the flow of water or air.
Solution 2: Diagnose Outdoor Drains
Homeowners comfortable with climbing onto the roof can check for obstructions in the outdoor drains. You might find that ice and snow have caused a blockage, requiring a more complex fix. In such cases, it’s often best to call a plumber to prevent any further damage.
Problem 3: Noises Occur Because of Drain Vents
In some situations, your home could have widespread issues with drain venting. Insufficient venting can cause the drains to struggle for air, making the plumbing gurgle or behave erratically.
Solution 3: Add or Extend Ventilation
Plumbers can extend the venting in your home’s shower, tub, toilet, and washer lines. In other cases, you may need a new venting system that helps prevent drain problems without disrupting your home’s aesthetics. This kind of work requires extensive effort from a professional plumbing team.
Problem 4: Septic Tanks and Drain Lines Cause Backup
One of the most alarming plumbing problems arises when a home's drain lines or septic tank becomes blocked. The resulting odor often signals an unseen issue, prompting homeowners to reach out to a plumbing team capable of handling large-scale repairs.
Solution 4: Full Cleaning
A professional plumber should be contacted to empty a septic tank or clear a blocked drain line. While this issue can be frightening at first, plumbers experienced in sewer-line cleaning and septic tank maintenance can resolve it quickly.
Hearing gurgling noises from your drains is certainly unpleasant, but these hidden issues could be much worse. Contact Reliable Heating & Air to address your plumbing problems and prevent further complications today.