Quick Answer:
Gurgling after cleaning usually means air is moving through traps because a vent is blocked or a partial blockage exists in the drain line. Start by running fixtures one at a time to map which drains gurgle, refill traps that may have dried, and only inspect the roof vent if you can do so safely. If gurgling shows up in multiple drains or continues after resealing traps, arrange a camera inspection and call a pro.
Why This Happens
When water flows through drains it should move smoothly and let air escape through the vent stack on the roof. If the vent is blocked or there is a partial obstruction in the pipe, air has to move through traps instead. That movement of air through a trap makes the bubbling or gurgling sound. Cleaning can dislodge debris that moves to a different spot in the line, or infrequently used drains can let their trap seals evaporate and allow air noise.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Map the problem — run fixtures one at a time
- Close other fixtures and run the washing machine alone. Note which drains gurgle (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, tub, etc.).
- Next, run each other fixture one at a time while watching or listening at the affected drains. This helps tell you whether the gurgle only happens when the washer drains or whenever any fixture runs.
- Write down which fixtures trigger the noise and whether it is immediate or delayed — that pattern helps a pro diagnose vent vs mainline problems.
2. Check trap seals in infrequently used drains
- Open rarely used drains (floor drains, guest bathroom sinks) and look for standing water in the P-trap. If the trap is dry or low, pour a slow cup of water into the drain to refill the seal.
- After refilling, test the washed machine drain again. If gurgling stops at that drain, a dry trap was likely the cause.
3. Inspect the roof vent for visible blockages (if safely accessible)
- From a secure ladder and with someone nearby, look down the vent opening for leaves, bird nests, or ice. Only do this if you are comfortable and can work safely.
- Do not climb on a wet or icy roof. If you find an obvious, small obstruction you can remove safely, do so carefully; otherwise leave it for a professional.
4. If gurgles persist across fixtures, arrange a camera inspection
- If the problem shows up in several drains or follows no clear pattern, arrange a sewer camera inspection. A camera can reveal partial blockages, roots, or misplaced debris pushed during cleaning.
- Camera work identifies whether the issue is in your house lines or the main sewer, and it prevents guesswork and unnecessary repairs.
What Not to Do
- Do not assume gurgles are harmless and ignore them — they can indicate a venting problem or partial mainline obstruction.
- Do not pour large amounts of strong chemical drain cleaners into the line hoping to fix a venting problem; these can damage pipes and won’t clear a blocked vent.
- Call a pro when gurgling happens in multiple drains, persists after re-filling traps, or coincides with slow drains; those are signs of larger vent or mainline issues needing pro diagnosis.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed plumber if you notice any of these:
- Gurgling occurs in more than one fixture or throughout the house.
- Drains are slow, backing up, or there is sewage odor.
- Refilling traps and a safe vent check don’t stop the noise.
- The camera inspection shows roots, a collapsed pipe, or a blockage you can’t safely remove.
For persistent or widespread issues, a professional can run a camera, perform a mechanical clean or repair, and check the vent and mainline safely.
Safety Notes
- Never climb onto a roof alone or in unsafe weather. Use a spotter and proper ladder placement if you must check a vent opening.
- Avoid using improvised tools to poke into vents or drains — you can push debris farther or damage the pipe.
- If you smell sewage or see sewage backing up, stop using water and call a pro immediately to avoid contamination and property damage.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did the gurgle start after I cleaned drains?
Cleaning can shift debris so it lodges elsewhere or remove water from seldom-used traps, letting air move and create gurgling. - Can I clear a blocked vent myself?
Only if the vent is safely reachable and the blockage is small and obvious; otherwise hire a plumber. - Will a camera inspection hurt my pipes?
No — a camera inspection is non-invasive and helps locate partial blockages or debris so you get the right fix.
If you want more detail on diagnosing noisy drains after a clean or on what a multi-drain slow pattern looks like, read Multiple drains slow after cleaning for next steps and examples.
More in this topic
For more related fixes and similar symptoms, see Post-Snaking Main Line Problems.