Why Are My Drains Gurgling?

What are the 4 causes of gurgling drains?

The 4 causes of gurgling drains are listed below.

• A partial clog traps air that bubbles up through the drain.
• A blocked roof vent pulls air through the nearest trap.
• A main sewer line clog pushes air back up the lowest drains.
• A missing vent on a remodeled fixture siphons the trap.

Are gurgling drains a sign of a bigger problem?

Yes, gurgling drains are a sign of a bigger problem when more than one drain gurgles, because the cause sits in the main line or the vent.

What should you do about gurgling drains?

The 4 things you should do about gurgling drains are listed below.

1. Note which drains gurgle and when.
2. Run water in one fixture and listen at the others.
3. Check whether the drains are slow.
4. Call a plumber when several drains gurgle.

When should you call a plumber?

You should call a plumber in the 4 situations below.

• Several drains gurgle at once.
• The toilet gurgles when the washer drains.
• Drains run slow with the gurgling.
• Sewer odor comes with the gurgling.

Related plumbing problems and next steps

How much does the plumbing repair cost?

The plumbing repair cost depends on the cause: drain cleaning costs $147–$345 per drain, according to HomeAdvisor. Drain cleaning prices and local plumbers are on the drain cleaning across Lancaster County page.

What is a related plumbing problem?

A related plumbing problem is main sewer line clogged symptoms, and the main sewer line clogged symptoms guide lists its causes and first steps.

Written and fact-checked by the Lancaster PA Plumbers editorial team using HomeAdvisor, EPA WaterSense and City of Lancaster data. Last updated October 29, 2026.