Why Does My Sink Gurgle When I Flush the Toilet?

A gurgling sound coming from the drains is likely due to an obstruction in the venting system. To further explain, air is being forced through water in your drain pipe causing the gurgling. Imagine rapidly pouring soda out of a two liter bottle, it makes the same noise. The bathroom sink, toilet, and shower share a plumbing and venting system. A malfunction in one of these can influence the other. Hearing gurgling sounds from the sink while the toilet is being flushed can indicate there is a complication with the P-trap. P-traps prevent methane rich sewage gases from exiting through the bathroom sink and shower drain. A missing or damaged P-trap allows the gas to escape generating the gurgling noise in the sink. Another reason the sink might gurgle when flushing the toilet is ventilation. Plumbing ventilation systems allow air to displace water through a separate pipe that will not disturb the consistent flow of water, this stops gurgling. When water is not traveling through the pipes they begin to fill with air. A properly working vent system will allow the air to escape from the exterior of the home. Yet, if something is blocking the air passageway, the sink becomes part of the vent system lending to a gurgle effect. Additionally, a clogged drain not only traps water and waste, but can hold air as well. Gurgle noise can occur from the sink when a toilet or shower is clogged. Since the trapped air is unable to reach the venting system it returns back to drains in the building. The complexity of the plumbing and venting system can make it challenging to locate the problem. It is highly recommended to get in contact with a specialist to identify the source of the affair.

When I flush my toilet it comes up in my shower?

In some circumstances flushing a toilet can backup into the shower. A clogged sewer drain is likely responsible for this event. Excesses waste, thick paper towels, toilet paper, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products can all block the sewer drain. The following steps might clear the drain and eliminate shower backup.

• Remove the pressure. The sewer drain is often times located under the structure or on the yard; it is a white pipe three to four inches in diameter. As soon as it has been located, cut the main water supply line and unscrew the pipe. Then clean the interior of the pipe and screw it back together. Turn on the water line and flush the toilet to determine success
• Dump chemicals down the drain. Although it’s not recommended to pour chemicals down your drain as they produce secondary effects over time. Drain cleaners are known to solve clogged drain issues fast and affordable but oftentimes result in an adverse effect and leave homeowners  needing to restore entire pipelines. Keep in mind drain cleaning solutions contain sodium hydroxide which can ruin pipes after constant use and release fumes that are hazardous to human health.
• Drain cleaning tools can be reliable. Cable drums and cable snakes can reach deep areas within drains/pipes that are not visible to the human eye. Also some drains/pipes are welded together, trying to unscrew them is not practical by any means. Only a cable tool is capable of unclogging those types of drains/pipes.

There are occasions where the sewer drain might be clear but backup is still occurring. A third party might be required to help deal with the obstacle.

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