When you run water in your kitchen sink, it should drain with little or no noise. If there’s a gurgling sound, it could indicate a plumbing issue. Here’s a guide to the two most common causes of gurgling drains and what you should do about them. 

Food Blockage

When you wash dishes, produce, or use your garbage disposal, bits of food debris can get lodged in the pipes. This blockage impedes water flow and traps air. When water flows down those pipes, the trapped air is released, resulting in bubbles that produce a gurgling noise. Pouring grease down the drain can cause a similar issue. Instead of pouring a chemical drain cleaner down your pipes, hire a professional plumber to help resolve the issue. Some cleaning products can harm your pipes, so it is best to leave the declogging to professionals. While this minor blockage might not seem significant at the moment, it’s essential to have it fixed before the drain becomes completely clogged.

Vent Pipe Blockage

Another potential cause of gurgling is a blocked vent pipe. The vent pipe is attached to the drainpipe beneath the sink and directs sewer gas safely out of the pipeline. These pipes run to the roof and may become clogged with debris such as leaves, branches, twigs, and grime. When clogged, sewer gas can’t effectively escape and may push back down the pipes causing a gurgling noise. Because fixing the issue requires accessing the pipes via the roof, it’s best to have a plumbing expert address the problem instead of attempting a fix on your own. 

If you’re an Elko, NV resident experiencing a plumbing issue, turn to Snyder Mechanical. For more than 30 years, these experienced technicians have provided a range of plumbing and heating and cooling services to the residents of Elko County. Call (775) 738-5616 to speak with a friendly team member or visit the website to learn more about their services.