Gurgling drains usually mean trapped air is struggling to escape somewhere in your plumbing. If you live in Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall, addressing gurgling drains early can save you both time and money. In this guide, we’ll explain why drains gurgle, walk through practical DIY steps to fix minor issues and show you exactly when to call DrainBlock Services for professional help. Let’s get started.
What Are Gurgling Drains and How to Spot Them Early
When air pockets form inside your pipes—often because water flow is restricted—you’ll hear a distinctive “glub-glub” odorless sound as water tries to push past that trapped air.
Common Signs You Have Gurgling Drains
Noisy Fixtures: Tubs, sinks or toilets that burble or gasp as water drains.
Slow Drainage: Sinks and showers that take forever to empty.
Foul Odours: If air can’t escape properly, sewer smells can back up through your drains.
Unexpected Backups: Water occasionally spraying back up into sinks or toilets..
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It:
That relentless gurgle isn’t just annoying. It often signals a hidden blockage or venting issue that, left untreated, will lead to leaks, sewage backups or even collapsed pipes.
Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

Gurgling drains are symptomatic of greater issues. If you also notice these signs, it’s time to move fast:
•Baths, showers and sinks draining slowly
Smelly stenches coming from your pipes or drain
• Frequent clogs despite having cleared them
•Water backups into showers, toilets, or sinks
These can be signs of a critical blockage or ventilation problem that needs to be taken care of by professionals right away.

How to Fix a Gurgling Drain
1. Clear Minor Blockages
Check the plughole for hair or buildup. Try using a plunger or drain snake to push over small clogs before they increase.
2. Try a Natural Cleaner
Squeeze hot water with baking soda and vinegar into the clogged drain. The process breaks up light buildup and lets trapped air in the pipes escape.
3. Check the Vent Pipe
Your home drainage system features a vent pipe, usually on the roof. If this is filled with leaves or debris, then air cannot pass through. If you’re unconfident whether you can check this yourself, then give us a call.
DrainBlock Services can check your drainage vents and give you a full check to make sure that everything continues to flow well.
When to Call DrainBlock Services
If gurgling continues despite trying home remedies, there could be an underlying issue. We provide:
• Urgent drain unblocking Plymouth
• CCTV drain surveys to find hidden issues
• Full drain cleaning to avoid future blockages
Forgetting to address gurgling noises can lead to severe drainage issues or pipe damage. Doing something about it now will save you time, hassle, and money.
Stopping Gurgling Drains
Simple habits can stop future drainage issues:
• Don’t dispose of grease or oil down the drain
• Only flush toilet paper and waste by itself—no wipes or personal products
• Keep shower drains and plugholes free by regularly cleaning them with safe cleaning products