You’re not alone if you’ve ever noticed a strange gurgling sound coming from your sink when the washing machine drains.
The question you may want the answer to is, “Why does my sink gurgle when washing machine drains?” This phenomenon can be puzzling and may indicate an underlying issue within your plumbing system.
Let’s find out the answer!
Why Does My Sink Gurgle When Washing Machine Drains?
Most are unfamiliar with how the drainage system works and will think that something’s wrong with the pipes when something starts to gurgle.
Even though, in most cases, there’s nothing to be alarmed of, there are a few different reasons why your sink might gurgle when your washing machine drains.
Clogged or partially blocked vent pipe
Typically, the most common problem why you may hear a gurgling sound is because there’s a blockage somewhere in the drainage system or a clogged vent pipe.
Vent pipes are crucial components of plumbing systems that allow air to enter the drainage system, preventing negative pressure and ensuring smooth water flow. When the vent pipe becomes obstructed, the air becomes trapped in the drain pipes, causing the gurgling noise as water displaces the trapped air.
It’s also possible that something is blocking the drain line, such as a build-up of lint or grease, which is causing water to back up and create a gurgling sound.
To see if a clogged vent pipe is the problem for the gurgling sound, try to open the drainage system connected to the washing machine and the sink and inspect for any dirt, debris, or obstruction blocking the vent pipe. If the blockage is out of reach, seek assistance from a plumber.
One possibility is that the two appliances share a drain line. So, when the washing machine draining causes water to flow through the line, it can create a suction effect that leads to the gurgling sound in your sink.
As the water moves quickly through the drain line, it can create a partial vacuum, causing air to be drawn in from nearby drain traps, including the sink’s trap. This influx of air into the sink’s drain trap causes the gurgling noise.
In many households, plumbing systems are designed with shared drain lines to optimize space and reduce installation costs. While this setup can be efficient, it can also lead to potential issues such as gurgling sounds.
Airlock in the drain line
Why does my sink gurgle when washing machine drains? In some cases, the plumbing system may lack adequate ventilation, leading to airlock issues and gurgling sounds during drainage.
Inadequate vent pipes, incorrect installation, obstructed vent openings, or outdated plumbing designs can cause poor ventilation.
Without proper ventilation, the air becomes trapped in the pipes, leading to the gurgling noise as water forces the trapped air through the system.
If the gurgling sound persists, you can try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear any blockages that might be causing the problem.
When the washing machine drains, it can cause air bubbles to get trapped in the pipe, creating a gurgling sound when they come up through the sink.
Why Does the Kitchen Sink Gurgle When the Washing Machine Drains?
One possibility is that something is blocking the drainpipe, and the wash cycle is churning up the water and sending it back up into your sink.
Another possibility is that there’s something wrong with your washing machine’s drainage hose. Instead of draining properly, it’s sucking air into the hose and causing a vacuum effect that sends water back up into your sink.
If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem, it might be a good idea to call a plumber to come to take a look. They’ll be able to identify the source of the gurgling and fix it for you.
In most cases, a gurgling sink is caused by a blockage in the drain line. This can be anything from a build-up of lint or grease to a more serious clog.
If you’re not sure how to do this, you can always call a professional for help. They’ll be able to quickly identify the source of the problem and get your sink draining properly again.
However, you need to better understand how the system works and how to properly care for the system to avoid additional problems in the future.
Read more: How Far Away Can A Washing Machine Be From The Drain?
Conclusion
Why does my sink gurgle when washing machine drains? Experiencing gurgling sounds in the sink when the washing machine drains can be a sign of various plumbing issues.
It is essential to address these problems promptly to prevent potential damage and ensure the smooth functioning of your plumbing system.
