Why Is My Kitchen Sink Making Noises?

John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.

Find Out Why Your Kitchen Sink Keeps Making Noises

Sinks are generally quiet but can make all sorts of strange sounds from time to time. Usually, the sounds are just normal drainage. But if it starts to make gurgling, humming, or rattling sounds repeatedly and loudly, something could be wrong with it.

Strange noises coming from the sink, including the kitchen sink, could be an indicator of a drainage problem or something else. Read the rest of the article to find out the reason behind your kitchen sink making noises and how to troubleshoot it.

Possible Reasons Why Your Kitchen Sink Is Noisy

For a while, you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my sink make a glugging noise?” Why do you hear these strange noises even when you’re not even using it? Let’s explore what could be causing them and the possible solutions to the issue.

Blocked Drainage System

When you ask yourself “Why is my kitchen sink making gurgling noises?” One of the most common culprits is a blocked drainage system. Over time, food remnants, debris, soap scum, and grease accumulate within the pipes. This results in the flow of water being constricted, making bubbling and gurgling noises as it tries to make its way through the blockage. The sounds you hear are due to the air trapped in the clogged drain trying to escape.

How do you fix a blocked drainage system and stop the noises? Consider using a plunger to dislodge the obtrusion. But if this doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake instead or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to disintegrate the clog. If this still doesn’t work, we recommend consulting a professional plumber to diagnose the issue and provide a more efficient resolution.

Improper Ventilation

Enough ventilation is important in maintaining the health of a drainage system. It can cause an imbalance in air pressure if the kitchen sink doesn’t have proper ventilation, which could be why it keeps making strange noises.

It happens when the air inside the pipes becomes displaced as the water makes its way down the drain. But if there’s no inlet for air, the water gurgles due to the lack of negative pressure. As a result, you hear vacuum-like sounds coming from the kitchen sink.

You can fix this by making sure the kitchen has a correctly sized vent positioned strategically. With it, there’s better entry of air and the pressure is harmonized, effectively stopping the gurgling noises you often hear.

Loose or Damaged Pipes

Interconnected pipes make up the complex plumbing system that runs underneath your sink, carrying water to and from the drain. These pipes may eventually become loose due to vibrations or regular wear and tear. As a result, as water flows through them, they could make rattling or clanking noises.

Examine the pipes that are located beneath your sink for obvious symptoms of damage or slackness. If you notice any weak connections, tighten them up, and if you see any broken pipes, you might want to replace them. For repairs or replacements, we suggest speaking with a licensed plumber.

Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, discusses what causes noises coming from your sink along with some suggested resolutions, DIY tips and tricks.

Faucet Issues

Sometimes the unsettling sounds you hear may come from the faucet rather than the sink. A variety of sounds, from repetitive drips to grating squeaks or unsettling hums, can be produced by faucets with worn-out washers or loose parts.

For this, examine the faucet for apparent flaws and repair any worn-out parts as needed. If the noises continue, it is wise to get a professional plumber to look at the faucet and make the necessary repairs.

Sediment Buildup in the Water Heater

If you often use hot water, the noise coming from your kitchen sink may be connected to sediment accumulation in your water heater. At the base of the heater, sediments frequently build up, causing uneven boiling which results in popping or cracking noises.

To get rid of accumulating sediment and stop the kitchen sink from making noises, clean your water heater regularly. This eliminates noise disruption and improves the performance and longevity of your water heater.

Water Hammer

When the flow of water unexpectedly stops, a shockwave that resonates through the pipes occurs. This shockwave is also known as the “water hammer.” These bangs or hammering noises you hear from the kitchen sink are caused by this shockwave.

To fix this, consider installing water hammer arrestors or air chambers adjacent to the affected plumbing fittings to lessen the impacts of the water hammer. These tools deflect the shockwave, preventing unsettling noises and any potential damage to your pipes.

Water Pressure Problems

Why does my kitchen drain make all kinds of noises? It may be due to too much water pressure. If the water pressure rises to excessive levels, it may force water to rush through the pipes quickly and produce loud slamming or thunderous clanging sounds.

What’s the solution for this? The answer is to reduce the water pressure that permeates your home, which you can do by installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). It will control water pressure, prevent noisy fittings, and extend the life of your plumbing system.

A kitchen sink making noises seems like a mystery but the sounds are actually easy enough to explain and solve. Most of the time, it’s just normal sounds from a perfectly working drainage system. But sometimes, it’s due to a blocked drainage system, improper ventilation, loose or damaged pipes, water hammer, water heater issues, and more.

Hire a Local Plumbing Pro

You can always reach out to a licensed plumber armed with the knowledge, experience, and tools to restore a kitchen sink. Simply reach out using the phone number or form on this page.