Why does my sink gurgle when the washing machine drains?

If you’ve asked yourself, “Why does my sink gurgle when the washing machine drains?”, you’re not alone. In fact, many homeowners do not know much about how their drainage system works or how to take proper care of it, and will only think about it when there is a problem. However, it is important to gain a better understanding of how the system is designed to function and learn how to take better care of it to avoid such problems altogether.

Here, the experts at Lanes will explain the relationship between your utilities and the wider drainage system, the symptoms you should look out for to detect a problem, and some of the common causes of a gurgle in the sink.

Is it a problem if my sink gurgles when the washing machine runs?

Sometimes, a gurgling sink can be a symptom of a problem with your drainage system, so if you notice this you should have an idea of what it could mean. Typically, a gurgling sink means that there is a blockage somewhere in your drainage system, and this could either be in the main drain pipe, the air vent, or both.

Every drainage system has an air vent, which enables water to flow through unimpeded and prevents pipes becoming vacuum-sealed due to a lack of air. Often, utilities like a washing machine or dishwasher will have their own vents which connect to the main air vent in your house. One of the most common causes of a gurgling sink is a blockage in this main air vent. When there is a blockage, air can get trapped in the pipes. As the air tries to escape through the water in the pipes, it creates gas bubbles, and this is most often the source of the gurgling sound in your sink.

In some cases, if the outlet of your air vent is accessible, you may be able to clear it yourself – sometimes a blockage can be as simple as fallen leaves trapping the airway. Alternatively, the problem may also be caused by a blockage in your drain pipes. While this may seem easy to fix, we do not advise you to try to clear this type of blockage yourself. The most common way that people try to clear these blockages is by using caustic substances, such as drain unblocking fluids that you can buy from supermarkets. However, while these might clear the blockage in some cases, they can also do serious damage to your pipes because of their corrosive nature, and cause much bigger problems later on. This includes the negative impact they can have on the environment if they leak or spill.

How can I stop my sink from gurgling?

The first step towards solving this problem is to diagnose it properly. A professional drainage specialist will often be able to diagnose the problem simply by listening to the gurgling, and will certainly have the tools to confirm their suspicions or perform a full diagnostic check.

They can also remove the blockage permanently, which is a much more effective solution than using a caustic fluid to unblock your drain. These fluids break down food waste and other materials that can cause blockages, but very rarely remove them completely from the pipe. This means that they can build up and cause blockages in other parts of the system.

When you have a drainage expert clear the blockage, they will remove the waste material and dispose of it properly, preventing further problems from emerging and ensuring that the gurgling sound is gone. Provided you take good care of your drainage system, by disposing of food and other waste in the bin rather than down the drain, you can prevent further blockages from arising and keep your pipes in good working condition.

If you need domestic drain unblocking services, contact the experts at Lanes Group today. Call us day or night on 0800 526 488 for a free quotation, or fill out our online enquiry form to arrange a call back at your convenience.