A blockage of dirt, grime, or other foreign matter in the drain often causes gurgling shower drains. This can lead to slow drainage and poor water flow, leading to mold growth and an unpleasant smell. Furthermore, it can be costly to call out a plumber to clear the blockage – learning to fix a gurgling shower drain yourself will save you time, money, and hassle.
Gurgling shower drains are a common problem in many homes and can be quite annoying. Fortunately, they are usually a fairly easy fix that doesn’t require any plumbing expertise or expensive parts. The most common cause of gurgling shower drains is air bubbles trapped in the drain pipe or the P-trap.
When water flows through a clogged drain, the air bubbles are pushed up through the pipe and make a gurgling sound. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to fix a gurgling shower drain.
Tools You Will Need
- Plunger
- Plastic Bucket
- Household Cleaner
- Gloves
- Basin Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable Wrench
- Putty Knife
- Snake/Auger
- Plumber’s Tape.
Step-by-step Instructions for How to Fix a Gurgling Shower Drain
Step 1: Inspect the Drain Thoroughly
Start by pulling off the shower drain cover and reaching down into the drain. Inspect for any large debris blocking the drain, such as hair or soap scum. Use a flashlight to check further if needed. Insert a plunger into the drain and seal it tightly with your hands. Push up and down vigorously several times to loosen the blockage.
Step 2: Use a Drain Snake or Auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, use a drain snake or auger to try and break up any stubborn clogs. This tool is inserted into the drain and then twisted until it dislodges whatever may be blocking it.
Step 3: Check the Trap
Look underneath the sink or shower to locate the drain trap. This is where water enters and exits the pipe, so debris can be a common place to get stuck. Cleaning out any gunk from this area should help your gurgling noise go away.
Step 4: Use Chemical Cleaners
If you’ve tried all the other steps and still have a gurgling sound coming from your shower drain, it might be time to turn to chemical cleaners. Various commercial products are available to help break down clogs or remove any remaining residue in the pipes.
Step 5: Check the Vent Stack
Moving up the line, check to make sure there’s nothing blocking the vent stack. This is a pipe that connects your drain to the outside and allows air to move freely throughout your plumbing system. Blockages here can cause water to back up into your shower or sink, resulting in gurgling sounds.
Step 6: Clean the P-Trap
The P-trap is a curved pipe underneath your sink or shower. It traps debris and prevents it from entering your plumbing system. Check this area for any gunk buildup, and clean it with a rag or brush if necessary.
Step 7: Inspect the Vent Pipe
Make sure that there are no clogs in the vent pipe. This is the pipe that connects your drain to the outside and allows air to move freely throughout your plumbing system. Blockages here can cause water to back up into your shower or sink, resulting in gurgling sounds.
It may be time to bring in a professional if all else fails. A plumber’s snake is a tool that can be used to manually break through stubborn clogs and clear out any built-up material.
Step 8: Consider Replacing the Drain
If your gurgling persists despite all of the above steps, it might be time to consider replacing the drain. You can buy a new drain and install it according to the instructions that come with it. Or you can hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.
Following these steps should help fix your gurgling shower drain. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsure of what to drain. Do A, a professional don plumber who hesitates can assist call you in resolving the issue.
Tips for How to Fix a Gurgling Shower Drain
- Turn off the water supply to the shower before attempting to fix a gurgling drain. This will prevent any potential flooding or further damage from occurring due to changes made during the repair process.
- Put on protective gear such as gloves and eyewear when working with any chemicals or tools associated with fixing a gurgling shower drain.
- Use a plunger to try and dislodge any debris stuck in the drain before taking further action.
- Place a bucket below the drain opening to catch any water or debris that may come out when making repairs.
- Inspect the clean-out plug at the bottom of the drainage pipe to remove any clogs that may be causing the gurgle.
- Pour a cup of baking soda and hot vinegar down the drain and follow with a gallon of boiling water if the clean-out plug does not clear the clog.
- Use a zip tie to secure and tighten any loose connections at the pipe joint if the clog is not cleared.
- When necessary, seek professional help from a plumber to ensure that the gurgling shower drain is properly repaired and functioning safely.
These steps will ensure that any repairs made are done quickly and correctly, reducing potential damage or injury while ensuring safety during the fix.
What Are the Common Causes of a Gurgling Shower Drain?
Gurgling noises coming from the shower drain can be a sign of a plumbing issue. There are several possible causes for this, some of which include clogged drains, broken pipes, and inadequate ventilation. Clogs in the drain pipe or the main sewer line can cause water to back up in your shower drain resulting in gurgling sounds.
If your shower drain is connected to a vent pipe, it could be blocked or not properly functioning, leading to gurgling noises. In addition, broken pipes can cause water to leak and air bubbles to form in the drain line resulting in a bubbling sound.
If you’re experiencing gurgling sounds from your shower drain, it’s important to identify the root cause and fix it immediately. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and repair a gurgling shower drain.
- Check Your Drain: Start by inspecting your shower drain for any blockages or debris that may be causing an obstruction in the pipe. If you find any blockages, use a plunger to try and remove them.
- Clean the Vent Pipe: The vent pipe is designed to allow air into the drain system so that water can flow freely through it. If the vent pipe is blocked or not working properly, this could be causing gurgling in the shower drain. Clean out the vent pipe with a drain auger or a strong stream of water.
- Replace Broken Pipes: If broken pipes cause a problem, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible. Turn off the main water valve and disconnect any damaged pipes using a wrench. Replace them with new ones and reconnect the pipes.
- Install a New Trap: If your shower drain has an old or damaged trap, this could be causing gurgling sounds in your shower drain. Remove the old trap and replace it with a new one to prevent water from backing up into the pipe and causing unnecessary noises.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully fix a gurgling shower drain and resolve any plumbing issues you may have. If the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional plumber who can help identify and repair the issue correctly.
Is It Possible to Prevent a Gurgling Shower Drain in the Future?
Yes, it is possible to prevent a gurgling shower drain in the future. To do this, you should regularly clean the drain and pipe to remove any built-up soap scum or hair that can cause clogs. You should also avoid pouring grease or other oily substances down the drain, as they can solidify and form blockages.
Additionally, using drain covers can help reduce the amount of hair and debris that make their way into your pipes. Finally, if a clog is forming, you should immediately use a plunger or a chemical cleaner to dislodge the blockage. Taking these steps will help prevent clogs and gurgling noises in the future.
If you’ve already fixed your gurgling shower drain and want to avoid similar problems in the future, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance is key. Cleaning the drain regularly and being mindful of what goes down can help keep your shower free from clogs and noise. Following these tips should help you keep your shower running smoothly for years to come.
Is It Advisable to Consult a Plumber for Assistance With This Repair Job?
If your shower drain is gurgling, it can indicate an issue with a clogged drain or air bubbles in the plumbing system. It may be possible to fix the problem yourself by clearing out any debris from the pipes and replacing parts if necessary. However, for some homeowners, it’s best to consult a plumber for help.
A plumber can come to your home and assess the situation, determine the cause of the gurgling noise in your shower drain, and make any necessary repairs. Professional handling of the problem will help ensure it is done correctly.
In some cases, fixing a gurgling shower drain requires more than cleaning out debris – it could involve replacing pipes or other components, requiring professional knowledge and experience. If you’re not comfortable with doing this kind of work yourself, getting a plumber to do it for you can save you time and money in the long run.
The cost of their services may depend on how extensive the repair job is, but consulting a professional can ultimately help you get your shower drain functioning properly again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixing a gurgling shower drain is easy if you know what to do. Start by determining the cause of the gurgling, whether it’s due to clogged pipes or air bubbles. If it’s due to a clog, then use a plunger or snake tool to remove it. For air bubbles, pour boiling water down the drain to help dissipate the air, or use a wet-dry vacuum.
If those methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber for professional assistance. I hope reading this post has helped you learn how to fix a gurgling shower drain. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.
