Hearing the toilet or sink gurgle is a common problem faced by many people. This is because air gets trapped in the drainage pipes and is unable to escape. As a result, it is pushed back and finds a way to escape through alternatives causing bubbles in your sink and bathroom washer. You must be thinking, do I have a plumbing issue? Well, yes. Can you fix it? Definitely!
In a hurry? The most common reason for this is partially clogged pipes. To prevent the build-up of the clog and stopping your toilet or kitchen sink from burping when the washing machine drains. Zep Drain Defence Pipe Build-up Remover Powder (enzyme-based) and CLR Clear Pipes & Drains are the best options to use.
You might also want to check out our best quiet flush toilet in 2024 and best super silent top load & front loading washer 2024 articles. Keep reading to find out what are the rest most common reasons that cause gurgling in your sink and toilet when bathroom washing machine drains and how to fix that problem.
Why Does My Sink Gurgle When Washing Machine Drains
1. Partially clogged pipes
Your washing machine might be connected to the same waste pipe as the sink, bathtub, and toilet.
So, when the washing machine evacuates the water, it pushes the water extensively at a high amount using its drain pump.
If your sink or toilet overflows when the washer drains, this generally means that your shared waste pipe is partially blocked. The occluded pipe does not allow the water from the washer to pump out quickly.
This is due to the greasy residues typically caused by stagnant water or detergent, or perhaps lint from the washing machine. So the pipes either need to be cleaned by an enzyme-based cleaning powder or you need to call a plumber. We recommend the highly rated Zep Drain Defense and CLR Clear Pipes & Drains.
2. Blocked vents
Blocked vents are also one of the most common reasons for making the washer water coming out of the toilet. If the air vents are blocked, they will produce a negative pressure which will pull air wherever it can.
It happens because water forms an airtight “seal” as it flows through the waste pipes. So as the water moves, it pushes the air creating a vacuum in the pipe.
This vacuum is so vigorous that it can easily pull the air through the toilet, kitchen sink, or bathroom washer making it overflow, which is annoying.
Hearing “toilet burps”? If that happens, then a gurgling toilet usually means that the vacuum will suck the water out of the toilet trap and the room will be filled with a displeasing and gross odor – the sewer gas!
For this, you need to spray water down into the main vent stack to clear it. Hence, you might need to use new devices for your plumbing to clean them.
How To fix Sink and Toilet gurgling or bubbling when the washing machine drains
1. Enzyme based drain cleaner
What can you do to fix these bubbles? How can you stop your toilet burps, when flushed? How to stop gurgling?
If you presume that the main waste pipe is partially blocked, you can try and fix this clogged issue by yourself.
Use an enzyme-based drain cleaner, such as Zep Drain Defence Pipe Build-up Remover Powder. It not only helps to prevent clogs in sinks, toilets, and showers, but it’s enzyme-based formula break clogs by cleaning and removing the build-up- that causes your toilet or sink to overflow whenever the washer drains.
Monthly usage helps to maintain the home pipes and hampers the formation process before it even starts.
The certified biodegradable formula breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2), minerals, and water which eventually opens up the drain lines to let the water flow properly, therefore no more “toilet burps.”
2. Plumber’s Drain Snake
If you identify the clog and it’s out of your reach, then run a plumber’s snake down the vent pipe.
Climb your roof, and let your helper flush a toilet while you hold your hand over the vent.
If you don’t feel any suction, then there is a possibility that your line is blocked further down.
Hence, use a plumber’s snake to unclog the debris such as Drainx 25-Ft Pro Drum Auger Plumbing Snake. It is a portable tool easily handled by beginners.
Before you call a plumber and get a giant bill, try to unclog the drain yourself with the 4-steps that are out-lined with this product.
It efficiently cleans drainage pipes of the kitchen, bathroom washer, and sinks. This hand-driven drain auger will clear all your household drain clogs easily and effectively.
FAQ
Does a washing machine drain need a vent?
Yes, it does. It has a significant role in preventing the air that forms a vacuum, which affects the water draining from your washing machine.
You should install a vent if your washing machine is more than 4-feet from the vent stack so that you make sure that there is a large room for the washing machine to drain properly.
What causes the toilet to drain slowly and gurgle?
The three potential causes for your deficient flushing are:
1. The low water level in your tank
If you have a gurgling toilet or poor flushing, it is likely that the water level in your tank is too low. Lack of water in your tank can cause trouble as it not only lowers the water pressure but also raises the chance for debris to build-up and hinder the water flow.
2. Multiple Clogs
The purpose of the toilet waste pipe is to safely drain all the waste material away from your house.
Whenever there is an obstruction, it causes a partial clog that results in your toilet gurgling. And after each flush, water will have trouble leaving the bowl, leading to slow drainage.
3. Mineral Deposition
The water has many components other than hydrogen and oxygen, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. With time these particles start to rack up, eventually leading to a blockage in pipes.
You will also see a chalky ring around your toilet bowl, this is called calcification. It is usually stubborn in narrow pipes, where a little deposit can have a powerful impact.
Why does the toilet overflow when the washer drains?
This is an indication of the main drain problem. If the water is draining out of your washing machine and lets your toilet or bathroom washer overflow, then it’s a vital sign that the sewer drain is clogged.
The sewer drain clog is a serious problem, which may require a plumbing emergency and a potential health concern. Whenever you come across such a drain clog, you should not use any of the plumbing in the house until the stoppage is cleared out.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Now you know why your kitchen sink or toilet gurgles/bubbles or even overflows when washing machine drains. Plus, you also know how to fix these nasty toilet burps.
Use the enzyme powder regularly, we recommend the popular Zep Drain Defense or CLR Clear Pipes & Drains. Another way is to install a laundry sink and use a drain snake.
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
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