My Lavatory Sink Makes a Gurgle Noise in the Drain
- A blocked or clogged drain pipe in the lavatory sink usually is the main cause of gurgling. Debris, grease and other particles adhere to the sink and its drain pipe, reducing the ability of water to flow smoothly down the pipe. The blockage does not happen instantly, but the gunk along the walls of the pipe accumulates over a period of time. Since air cannot flow around the water, it bubbles up through the pipe and gurgles through the sink holes.
- Loosen the clog with a plunger on the drain. If the gurgling sound continues, loosen and remove drain pipe pieces. Insert a drain snake in the pipe to remove the clogs in the wall. Inspect the pipes before reinstalling to make sure they are not blocked. Alternatively, pour a chemical drain cleaner through the pipe to open the clog. Follow label directions to avoid injury when using the abrasive chemicals. To prevent the sink from gurgling, avoid pouring anything down the drain that causes blockages, such as chunks of food, hair, tissue and grease.
- Vent pipes that exit through the roof of a house collect fallen leaves, dirt or debris that prevents the flow of air. Connected to the main drain, these vertical pipes allow air to flow through, preventing a vacuum. When the exit of this pipe at the roof is blocked, the air that cannot be forced out pushes back into the drain, causing bubbles. The bubbles of air exit through the sink, causing a gurgling sound at the drain.
- Repairing a clogged vent pipe is not as easy as repairing the main drain. The pipes are as high as the house, so it is difficult to identify the exact location of the blockage. Look down each pipe with a flashlight to determine the exact location of the blockage, and pull out the debris with a long tool or dislodge it with a high-pressure hose attachment. Seek professional help if you fail to locate the source of the blockage. Cap the vent pipes to prevent problems in the future.