How Can I Get My Kitchen Sink To Stop Gurgling?

It’s frustrating enough having to clean up all the dishes that the family leaves in and around the kitchen sink. But when you finally finish and drain the sink, only to hear it gurgle back at you—that’s maddening! So, why is the kitchen drain gurgling like that? Let’s figure out what you can do to stop it.

Could it be a clogged drain pipe?

The kitchen sink drain probably gets more use than all the other sinks in your house combined. Even without a garbage disposal, a lot of food ends up rinsed off plates and down the drain. Over time, food debris (and hardened grease for those who rinse frying pans in the sink) can clog the drain. If the drain pipe becomes partially obstructed, water may still drain, but air gets trapped at the obstruction, causing that gurgling sound. If bubbles come up when the dishwater is draining, this is likely the cause.

Don’t rush out to buy liquid drain cleaners—these harsh chemicals can be dangerous and often do more harm than good, especially to older pipes. Unless you’re ready to invest in a plumbing snake and other equipment, it’s best to call Handyside to clear the drain for you. Even if it’s just a little gurgling and not slowing the drain much, it’s best to address it before it turns into a bigger obstruction.

How about a blocked vent pipe?

This is the classic cause of the gurgling sound you hear after the sink has drained, sometimes even a few seconds later. A vent pipe is connected to the drain pipe under your sink to allow sewer gas to escape. These vent pipes run up to the roof of your house and vent outside, but they can become blocked by leaves, dirt, or nesting material from birds. Since the vent pipe may be hidden behind cabinetry or inside a wall, it can be difficult to locate. The best solution for this gurgling problem is to call a plumber, who can quickly verify the issue and properly clear the vent pipe.