Has your drain started gurgling? This can be an indicator that something is wrong with the plumbing. By being attentive to this warning sign, you can prevent larger draining and flooding issues in the future. The guide below explains what gurgling means and whether you need to call a plumber.

What’s Causing Drain Gurgling?

Usually, the source of a gurgling sound is a clog. As small particles of food waste, soap scum, human hair, and other debris build up on the walls of the pipes, it’s more likely that a blockage will occur. Before the drain stops running altogether, you’ll hear a gurgling because air is escaping from behind the obstruction and rushing up the drainpipe. You may also notice air bubbles escaping the draining water.

In other cases, the vent pipe that’s attached to your drainpipes to allow safe venting of sewer gas may be clogged. These pipes run through the roof, and if they’ve been clogged by debris or bird nests, they may create a gurgling noise. 

How Can It Be Resolved?

If the clog is near the opening of the drainpipe, you may be able to remove or flush it out yourself. However, calling a plumber is a smart idea. They’ll be able to pinpoint the clog quickly and remove it. In some cases, the gurgling can also point to a bigger problem like a broken sewer line or clogged septic field, and having a plumber diagnose these problems can help you address them quickly before they cause dangerous sewage backwash. They can conduct tests such as hydrostatic inspections, using a powerful stream of water, or camera inspections. 

If you need help with gurgling drains, fixture replacement, or other plumbing conundrums, contact the professionals at A. Stevens Plumbing & Heating Inc. in Washingtonville, NY. Their plumbers serve southern Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties in New York with comprehensive plumbing services. Whether you need a new water heater, a faucet repair, or drain cleaning, they can help when you call (845) 496-5903. To learn more about their services, visit their website.