6 Tips for How to Fix a Gurgling Kitchen Sink
Have you been hearing gurgling sounds from your kitchen sink? Well, the problem could be somewhere in the drainage pipe and its venting system. That irritating gurgling noise from your kitchen sink could be a precursor of more serious problems down the drain.
In order to fix a gurgling kitchen sink, it could be as easy as flushing the sink. However, in some cases, you may have to be more ingenious or even contact a plumber to fix deeper issues. Free air movement through the pipes helps water to flow naturally, making it easier to wash waste into the main sewer. However, if there is an obstruction in the pipes, you could end up with a gurgling kitchen sink; or worse, a backed-up drain.
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The following are some tips on how to fix a gurgling kitchen sink:
1. Check for Problems in the Installation of the Sink Vent
If you only hear the gurgling sound when water is drawn off the kitchen sink, it means the problem is coming from the vent or vents. Chances are either the vent was obstructed, or it was initially not fixed properly from the p-trap. If you have a 1.5-inch drainage pipe, make sure the vent is fitted 3.5 feet from the lower part of the trap. Doing this gets rid of the vacuum inside the vents, which is one of the reasons for the gurgling sound.
2. Check the Air Admittance Valve
In some cases, instead of a vent, a drain might feature an air admittance valve, which is usually located underneath the sink. This type of valve is completely pressure-activated and is commonly used in plumbing systems. It is generally utilized when one wants to eliminate the need for conventional pipe and roof venting penetration. Confirm if the air admittance valve is in good condition.
The gurgling sound might be a result of it being trapped or immovable. In some rare cases, the valve might be clogged, which is another reason you might be experiencing this problem. A clogged air admittance valve could also be the culprit. Typically, this type of valve should function properly for 20 to 30 years. If it only works for a few years, there could be problems in the plumbing system.
3. Check for Clogs or Obstructions Inside the Drainage Pipe
When the drainage pipe is not receiving sufficient air, the water flows at a low speed. The result is a buildup of residues that cause obstruction inside the pipe. The solution is to clean the p-trap as frequently as possible to avoid blockages. To clean a p-trap, first, disassemble it. Position a bucket directly under it. Then, using pliers, remove the coupling nuts attaching the trap to the tailpiece of the sink and to the adjacent wall fitting.
Finally, remove the p-trap, but if the nuts don’t budge, or they quickly fall apart whenever you try to move them, purchase a replacement trap. Clean inside the p-trap using a straightened wire coat hanger or a large bottle brush made of nylon to get rid of the debris. Ensure it is spotless, both inside and out; then reassemble it.
4. Check for External Waste in the Sink Vents
Vents extended to the exterior of the house tend to aid the buildup of external waste, especially from plant leaves and birds. The waste eventually cascades into the vent and end up stacked at the joining points. Clearing these vents can solve the gurgling issue. You can do this by merely flushing water through the opening of the vent.
Draining such vents require a significant amount of water pressure to remove the garbage stacked inside. You can also utilize a plumbing auger to deal with this problem. Push the auger inside the drain as deep as you can until you can feel the blockage. The plumbing auger will help you push or pull out the debris, which results in the creation of space in the vents.
5. Flush the Sink
In order for you to fix a gurgling kitchen sink, sometimes all you need is to give the sink a proper flush. This will ensure remains present in the plumbing system go into the main sewer pipe. Let the water run excessively for a couple of minutes to eliminate the blockage completely. The excessive water pressure thrusts out waste from the drainage pipe and into the sewage pipe.
6. Troubleshoot the Main Vent
If the central vent is blocked, draining a bathtub or flushing a toilet can result in gurgling sounds in the kitchen sink. When this happens, clean the vent until the vacuum is strong enough to drain the trap. You don’t want your house reeking of sewer odour. Usually, you should clean the central vent from the roof since it is in most cases located above the main bathroom. You can clear it by either spraying water into the opening, or by utilizing a sewer auger.