Why Your Sink Is Gurgling (And How to Stop It in Arizona Homes)

You’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth when you hear it. There’s an unmistakable gurgling sound coming from your sink.

At first, you ignore it, thinking it’s just a one-time thing. Then it becomes worse and actually spreads through multiple sinks. What to do?

Let’s talk about why sink gurgling issues in Phoenix occur and how to fix them.

What’s Causing The Gurgling Noise Coming From Your Sink?

Sink gurgling in Phoenix homes is much more common than you think. Many things, such as hard water buildup or blocked roof vents from dust storms and desert debris, can cause it.

Here are the five common reasons why you might hear gurgling from a kitchen sink or multiple sinks.

Trapped Air in P-Trap

The P-trap is that curved piece of pipe under your sink. Its job is to hold a small amount of water that blocks sewer gases from coming back into your home.

If air gets trapped in this bend, it causes a vacuum effect that causes gurgling. This usually happens when water isn’t flowing correctly due to a buildup or a partial blockage.

Clogged Drains

One of the top culprits of sink gurgling in Phoenix homes is a simple clog in your drainage. 

Grease, soap scum, food scraps, and even hair can collect in your drains over time. As water tries to move past the blockage, air bubbles escape, creating that gurgling sound.

Blocked Vent Pipes

Every plumbing system has vent pipes that run up through your roof. Their job is to release sewer gases and balance the air pressure inside your pipes. When those vents get clogged – say, from leaves, dust, or even a bird’s nest – air has nowhere to go.

The result? Strange noises from your sink.

Poor Plumbing System Ventilation

In older homes, the plumbing system wasn’t designed with proper venting. Without enough airflow, the system struggles to drain smoothly, and you’ll hear gurgling whenever water moves through the pipes.

Wrong-Sized Drainpipe

If the drainpipe is too small for the amount of water flowing through it, it creates pressure problems. This is less common but can happen due to poor plumbing or improper installation.

How To Fix a Gurgling Sink: DIY Methods

Gurgling can be caused even by minor plumbing problems that can be fixed at home. Before calling a professional plumber in Phoenix, here are some fixes you can try:

• Run Hot Water Down the Drains in Your Home
  Sometimes, a little heat is enough to break up grease or soap buildup trapped in your plumbing system. Run hot tap water for a few minutes to see if it helps. 
• Check the P-Trap
  Place a bucket under the curved pipe (the P-trap) beneath your sink, then unscrew the connectors carefully. Empty any debris, grease, or buildup into the bucket, rinse the trap with hot water, and reattach it. Make sure that it has water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
• Use a Plunger
  A sink plunger can clear small clogs and release trapped air. Be sure to cover any overflow holes with a wet rag so you get good suction.
• Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
  Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s safe and worth a try. Avoid using drain cleaners. 
• Check the Roof Vent
  If you can, look at the vent pipe on your roof. Make sure it’s not visibly blocked by debris. If it is, carefully remove it, but don’t climb up if it’s unsafe. Leave that to professional plumbers.

If clogs don’t clear up still, look into reliable drain cleaning services in Phoenix.

How to Prevent My Sink From Gurgling?

When it comes to plumbing, prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than dealing with a repair. A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping a quiet drain in AZ.

• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink. When grease cools, it hardens and sticks to your pipes, narrowing the passage for water and air.
• Use sink strainers. One of the easiest ways to avoid a gurgling drain pipe is to catch food scraps, coffee grounds, and hair before they even enter the drain.
• Rinse with hot water regularly. Running hot water after washing dishes helps clear away soap scum and small bits of residue before they harden.
• Schedule routine drain cleaning. An annual professional maintenance service helps keep hard water buildup and hidden clogs from becoming serious problems. 
• Keep roof vents clear. After monsoon season or dust storms, check that debris hasn’t blocked the vent pipes on your roof.

Still Not Working? It’s Time to Consult a Professional

If the mysterious gurgling sound still persists after all these efforts, it’s time to call for professional help. A skilled plumber can diagnose the problem with thorough inspections and offer the best solutions possible.

At Patriotic Plumbing & Rooter, we specialize in powerful drain cleaning services that can clear even the toughest clogged drains in Arizona. Our expert plumbers in Phoenix use advanced equipment like hydro-jetting and video camera inspections, and we offer free inspections and second opinions.