Have you ever heard a gurgle noise coming from your shower, toilet or sink? If you are noticing that sound coming from any of your drains you may need to call a plumber. That sound, gurgling, may indicate something is wrong with your sewer or plumbing system. Although you may not have noticed it previously, once it’s prevalent you may need to call your local professional plumber to help you fix the problem. It may be more serious than you think, and fixing it sooner than later may save you money in the long run. Take a look at what may be causing those sounds and what the culprit may be.
Damaged or Missing Shower P-Trap
The purpose of a P-Trap in the shower is to prevent air, sewer water or gas from rising into the shower and bathroom. It prevents sewage and smells from consuming the area and when broken or missing it could cause issues with your drainage and create a smelly atmosphere.
Sewer Line Clogs
Sewer line clogs have major implications and can result in gurgling noises in your drain systems. Aging pipes, hair, roots and other debris can clog sewer lines and when this occurs, gasses rise through the drains and create unpleasant smells.
Drain Clogs
Clogs deep in the drain line are typical causes of a gurgling sound. They are often results of contaminants draining down through the pipes consisting of dirt, hair, soap or other substances accumulating over time. Imagine going to the lake, coming home and rinsing off in the shower. Sand, debris and other substance over time take a toll on your pipes and drains which result in small clogs and the release of air as a result of those clogs.
Vent Blockage
Plumbing vents run vertical, behind walls and to the outside which allows air to enter the drainage system and create pressure to help waste water flow out efficiently. Blockages in those pipes can cause buildups due to debris and corrosion. That gurgling sound you may hear could be the result of uneven air flow and cause your drain to not work as properly as it should.
If your drain lines are gurgling, it may be time to call a professional plumbing contractor. Attempting to manage the situation on your own could result in damage to your plumbing system and increase the time and cost of fixing the situation. As always, being proactive and acknowledging that there may be a problem could resolve the situation quickly rather than creating an ongoing problem which may result in major repair. Take a good look, listen closely and always pay attention to your sewer and plumbing situations to extend the life and the need for a professional to come out an assess the situation.