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Here’s What It Could Mean If Your Drains Are Gurgling

Monday, May 30th, 2016 at 11:00 am

It’s no secret that if you hear odd noises coming from a drain in your home, then there is probably something wrong with your home’s plumbing. The cause of the noise can range from a very minor issue to a major detrimental problem. Whatever the case, you will likely need the services of a professional plumber to figure it out.

Be sure to avoid DYI projects with problems of this kind. Trying to figure it out on your own can often end in more harm than good. Gurgling drains are something you should have investigated ASAP, so be sure to give our professionals a call.

But What Does a Gurgling Drain Mean?

The most common reason you might hear a gurgling, bubbling sound coming from your drains is due to a clog down in the drainpipe. If you’re lucky, it hasn’t caused a backflow yet, but that may be imminent. Clogs usually include pockets of air, and this air is released up into the water sitting above it, which is what creates the bubbling/gurgling sound you hear.

You can try a sink plunger to see if that clears out the clog. If that doesn’t work, don’t be tempted to use store-bought drain cleaner! The chemicals in these “drain cleaners” can actually damage your pipes, plus they leave toxic fumes behind. This is a risk that’s eliminated when you call a professional plumber.

Could There Be Other Reasons for This Sound?

You might have blocked drain vents. Your plumbing drain vents are designed to remove a buildup of sewer gas from the drainpipes by directing the gas up through the pipes to the roof. These vents can easily become blocked due to animal nests and other debris.

One last—but very serious—possibility is that the gurgling sound is caused by a sewer line blockage. A breach or clog in the sewer line will eventually trigger a sewage back-up into the drains in your home. For this reason alone, it’s vital that you call in a professional before you leave the problem to chance.

For drain and sewer services in Lacey, WA, call Brooks Plumbing Co. today. 

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