Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Gurgling drains

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 207.82.209.113
Date: 26 Sep 2000
Time: 08:00 PM

Comments

Dear Larry:

Has this problem always existed, or did it start happening recently? If it started to happen recently, chances are your sink, tub, and toilet are sharing a common vent stack that's clogged. Several things can clog a vent stack, including birds nests (or a bird carcass), leaves, or other debris. I've even found roofing paper shoved inside vent stacks! When the vent stack is clogged or partially blocked, draining action causes a siphon effect. As gravity tries to carry water down the drain, it is pulling air from other sources. The gurgling sound is water in the trap percolating as air is being sucked through.

Sometimes a similar effect can be due to a clogged waste line. But if the water appears to drain OK from the tub, toilet, or sink, then my bet is on the vent stack.

Since walking on your roof can be risky, hire a pro to do it for you. If you must do it yourself and the roof pitch is 4/12 or less, then carefully look down the vent stack with a powerful flashlight to see if there's any blockage. If the vent takes a bend, you may not see anything. You may need run a snake down the stack to clear away any blockage. Always take proper precaution when walking on your roof. Use good rubber shoes and be particularly careful if your roof is tile or metal.

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