Are you frustrated by the persistent gurgling sound coming from your shower drain every time you use it? Don’t worry – this annoying problem doesn’t have to be something you just live with. In this post, we will walk you through some simple steps that can help get rid of the gurgles and restore your peace and quiet.
With a few tools, an understanding of what causes the issue, and our easy-to-follow instructions, you can quickly tackle this plumbing problem yourself without having to call in a professional. Keep reading to learn exactly how to fix a gurgling shower drain!
Why Does Your Shower Drain Gurgle?
The most common cause of a gurgling shower drain is a blockage in the pipes. This can be caused by hair, soap scum, or other debris that has accumulated over time and is blocking the flow of water.
In some cases, it could also be due to an issue with the venting system that connects the shower drain to the main sewage line. If the vent is blocked or malfunctioning, it can cause a gurgling sound when water tries to pass through. In rare cases, it could be a sign of a broken pipe that needs to be replaced.
If you hear your shower making a gurgling noise, it’s important to investigate the cause right away to avoid any further damage. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, a plumbing professional can help identify and fix the problem.
In some cases, gurgling noises in your shower drain could be caused by air bubbles that get trapped in the pipes. This is usually only a temporary issue, and simply running the shower for a few minutes should help to get rid of the air bubbles and solve the problem.
Once you’ve identified the cause of your gurgling shower drain, it’s time to take action to fix it. Keep reading below to find out more about how to fix a gurgling shower drain.
15 Effective Methods: How to Fix a Gurgling Shower Drain
1. Check the Shower Drain Trap
A shower drain trap is designed to keep sewer gasses from entering your bathroom and can become clogged with debris over time. This can cause a gurgling sound when you flush or take a shower. Use a plumber’s snake or vacuum cleaner attachment to clear any blockages in the drain trap.
2. Clean Out the Vent Stack
If your home has a plumbing system with a vent stack, it can become clogged with debris and cause gurgling in your shower drain. To clear a clog, use a plumber’s snake or vacuum cleaner attachment to unclog the vent stack. It ’s also a good idea to check the vent stack periodically to make sure it’s clean.
3. Replace the Pop-Up Assembly
If your shower drain has a pop-up assembly, it may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged or corroded. To do this, you will need to unscrew the stopper and remove it from the drain. Then, you can insert a new pop-up assembly into the drain and tighten it into place. When you’re finished, test the drain to make sure it’s working properly.
4. Replace the Drain Grate
If your shower drain has a grate that is clogged or corroded, you may need to replace it in order to stop the gurgling. Unscrew the drain grate and remove it from the shower drain, then insert a new one into place. Make sure to test the drain after replacing the grate to make sure it’s working properly.
5. Clean the Shower Drain
If your shower drain is clogged with hair and soap scum, this can cause gurgling in the drain. To clean out the drain, use a plumber’s snake or a vacuum cleaner attachment to clear any blockages. You can also use an enzyme drain cleaner to break down the build-up of clogs in the drain.
6. Replace Drain Pipes
If your shower drain pipes are old and corroded, they may need to be replaced. To do this, you will have to cut away the old pipes and replace them with new ones. You can also use an epoxy to seal up any cracks or holes in the drain pipe before installing a new one.
7. Install a Drain Sleeve
If your shower drain is prone to clogging, you may want to install a drain sleeve to help keep it clear. A drain sleeve is a flexible piece of plastic that fits over the shower drain and helps prevent clogs from forming in the pipe. Some drain sleeves can also help to reduce gurgling in the shower drain.
8. Check the Sewer Line
If your shower drain is gurgling, it could be caused by a blockage or an issue with your sewer line. To check for any problems in your sewer line, you will need to contact a professional plumber. They can use cameras to inspect the plumbing system and determine if there is an issue with your sewer line.
9. Install a New Shower Drain
If your current shower drain is corroded, damaged or too old, you may need to install a new one. To do this, you will have to unscrew the old drain and remove it from the shower. Then, you can install a new one in its place and test it to make sure it’s working properly. When you’re done, test the drain to make sure it isn’t gurgling.
10. Adjust the Water Level
The water level in your shower drain can affect how well it drains. If the water level is too low, it can cause gurgling in the drain. To adjust the water level, you can adjust the height of the shower head or install a new one that is lower in height. If you have a pop-up stopper in the drain, you can also adjust its height to increase the water level.
11. Check the Water Pressure
If your shower drain is gurgling, it could be caused by low water pressure. To increase the water pressure in the bathroom, you may need to adjust the valve that controls the flow of water. You can also contact a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system and make sure that everything is working correctly.
12. Check the Sewer Vent Pipe
If your home has a plumbing system with a sewer vent pipe, it may need to be checked for any clogs or other problems. To do this, contact a plumber who can inspect the pipe and make sure it is working properly. If there are any blockages or issues, they can suggest a solution to fix them.
13. Natural Solution
If you’re looking for a natural way to fix a gurgling shower drain, there are several options that you can try. For example, you can pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain and let it sit overnight. This mixture will help break down any clogs or build-up in the pipes. You can also use a small amount of lemon juice to help clear out the drain.
14. Plunge the Toilet
If your bathroom has a toilet connected to the same plumbing system as the shower, plunging it can help improve the flow of water in the drain. To do this, add some hot water to the toilet bowl and then use a plunger to try and dislodge any blockages. This will help clear out any debris that could be causing problems in the drain.
15. Keep on Top of Maintenance
It’s important to keep on top of regular maintenance for your bathroom plumbing. To do this, make sure that you clean out the shower drain regularly and use an enzyme drain cleaner every few months to break down any build-up in the pipes. This will help prevent gurgling in the shower drain.
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your shower drain is still gurgling, it may be time to call a professional. A plumbing expert will be able to inspect your bathroom plumbing system and determine what is causing the issue. They can then suggest a solution to fix the problem so that your shower drain works properly again.
Conclusion
After taking the time to follow all these steps on fixing a gurgling shower drain, your hard work will pay off and you will soon be back enjoying your showers without any bubbling noise. As with any type of plumbing project, always remember to work safely. Exercise caution and make sure you understand everything associated with repairing a gurgling shower drain before commencing a repair job.
If you’re unsure or you encounter any trouble on how to fix a gurgling shower drain, don’t be afraid to ask for help. In addition, if at any point you become completely stumped or feel too intimidated to attempt this repair yourself, it may be best to seek professional assistance. By following these steps properly, though, you should have your bathtub or shower humming along nicely surprise free in no time!
