Why are my drains gurgling?
Drains aren’t something we pay much attention to — until they go wrong.
Gurgly, bubbling or noisy drains can be concerning, but a solution is simple once you know the cause. But how do you tell if these noises are normal or a sign of something amiss? And how can you discover the precise problem?
Let’s explore together.
What do we mean by ‘gurgling’?
Water naturally makes a noise when it travels down a drain. However, if your drains have a distinct and out-of-the-ordinary gurgling or bubbling sound, it could indicate that water and air are not flowing smoothly through your drainage system.
If this gurgling is also accompanied by a bad smell or a drain is backing up, you can be pretty sure you’ve got a blockage on your hands. Getting the help of an expert will establish if the sound is abnormal or not.
Why are my drains gurgling?
When something goes wrong with a drain, you need to resolve it quickly. That’s why a swift diagnosis and solution carried out by a reactive professional will take the pressure off you and solve the problem fast.
Whether you’re investigating it by yourself or arranging for the team at MPH Drain Services to handle it, there are some main culprits for gurgling drains that you should be aware of.
- Blocked drain
An obstruction or blockage in your drainage system can prevent water and air from flowing freely through the system, producing air bubbles that make a distinctive sound.
You can attempt home cleaning remedies first to see if that shifts the clog. If the problem remains, it may be that the blockage is deeper in your drains or is particularly stubborn.
In this case, you will need the help of an expert who can use techniques such as CCTV drainage surveys to pinpoint the location, severity and nature of the blockage before suggesting a resolution.
- Blocked sewer line
Sometimes the problem goes deeper with a blocked sewer line. This pipe is responsible for channelling away the wastewater from all the drains in your home and into the main sewer. These pipes are most commonly obstructed by root ingress, damaged pipes or improper flushing of items.
If multiple drains in your home are gurgling or sluggish, this could indicate the sewer line is affected. Help and diagnosis from a professional is required to confirm this and carry out a solution, especially since if left unresolved it may begin impacting your neighbours.
- Blocked vent
Plumbing vents are there to ensure air gets into the plumbing system. Air is essential for achieving the right pressure balance with water to keep everything flowing as it should.
When plumbing vents are blocked, the pressure balance is incorrect and the flow is disrupted, causing gurgling sounds, slow drainage and bad odours.
Anything from bird nests to corrosion can affect a vent. Get our experts out who will use specialist equipment to locate the vent causing the problem, and administer a swift solution.
What to do about gurgling drains
As you can see, the causes of gurgling drains can be more complex and varied than first thought.
If troubleshooting has got you nowhere or the problem keeps returning, you need a professional and the specialist tools, equipment and experience that comes with them.
Here at MPH Drain Services, we offer free call-outs and 24/7 attendance to properties across Yorkshire. Responsive and attentive, we’re here to reassure customers that drainage solutions are right around the corner.
MPH Drain Services offers a quick local service in Yorkshire for both homeowners and businesses alike. Whatever the problem, we have the solution. Get in touch for a free call out and free no-obligation quotation.
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