The gurgling sound when the washing machine drains is normal as long as there is no underlying cause.
A Gurgling sound is generally heard when the air in the P-trap is displaced by the incoming water. Additionally, if there is a blockage in the drain line between the washer and the sink, this can also cause a gurgling sound as the water tries to flow through the blockage.
Why do you hear the gurgling sound when the washer drains?
This is quite familiar to a kitchen sink that gurgles due to clogging or heavy stuff being drained along with the waste.
When your washer drains out the wastewater, it drains out the mixture of detergents residue along with dirt and untrapped lint i.e. the tiny fibers from the clothes.
The pressure from the drain pump lets the flow move through the narrow drainpipe usually creating a gurgling sound while reaching the sink.
It may also occur due to air blocks in the vent areas of the sink.
If the gurgle is unusual, then it is the right time to have a look at the sewage area of the sink for any blockages. The sink and the sewage area inspection is preferred by an expert or the plumber, as it may require sewage drilling equipment.
Most of you may have the washer’s drain connected to your kitchen sink which is quite common, here it becomes difficult to identify the cause of blockage caused, either by the washer or the kitchen waste.
If possible, it is always a good idea to separate the drain connection of the washer from other sinks.
Ok, now that you know what causes a gurgling sound when the washing machine drains, let’s take a quick look at some basic steps you can take to fix it.
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How do I fix the gurgling sound?
A normal gurgling sound will be heard while your washer is draining due to the water flow pressure created by the drain pump. If you still want to make sure of any damages or causes of unusual gurgling sounds, then you may check out the below points.
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Use Drain Clearing Solution
There are chemicals available online or at the local hardware stores which can be simply poured over the sink filter (net filters made up of steel).
It comes in liquid and powdered forms, these chemical solutions require a lot of caution due to the highly concentrated ingredients used. Hence it is recommended to always use protective gloves, wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose, and also wear a clear glass to protect your eyes.
Note: If you are using a chemical solution to unblock the vents, make sure the vent pipes are either made up of metals or reinforced concrete. Using this method on soft plastic pipes may cause unwanted damage.
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Call A Professional Plumber
A plumber or an expert would be the right person to determine the cause of the gurgling sound from the sink. Accordingly, a fix is recommended depending on the severity of a clog or it may be due to inappropriate installation.
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Why is my washer not draining?
Either the drain pipe has been blocked or the drain pump is not functional. Clean the drain filter and the drain pipe for any clogs and try again. On the other hand, if the drain pump is not working then you may need a replacement or get an expert to check for any loose connections within the washer.
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Why does the sink fill with water when my washer drains?
You may need to check for obstacles blocking the sink vent immediately, as this may cause damage to your washer. The drain pump will have to bear immense pressure to push the water flow towards the clogged sink’s vent, this can also result in a burnt motor at times.
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Final thoughts
Next time when you hear the normal gurgling sound, I am sure you know what to do in order to fix it.
Regular cleaning of vents and the drain systems in your household is always a good idea.
Lastly, do not hesitate to seek a piece of expert advice when it comes to plumbing fixtures.