Why Is My Bathtub Drain Making a Gurgling Sound? Causes and Fixes

Ever hear a weird gurgling noise after you shower?

That bubbling, slurping sound isn’t just annoying. It usually means your shower drain or drain pipe has a problem that needs fixing.

At Drain Pros Venture, we know the signs. If your bathtub drain is making gurgling sounds, it’s time to dig a little deeper.

Let’s figure out why you’re hearing that gurgle and what you can do about it before it gets worse.

What Causes a Shower Drain to Make a Gurgling Noise?

When water tries to flush down a clogged or poorly vented pipe, it traps air.

That air gurgles back up, creating that odd gurgling sound you hear after you shower.

Common Causes Include:

Blocked drain pipe
Clogged shower trap
Broken vent stack
Collapsed sewer line
Full tub drain

And sometimes, when you hear gurgling noise coming from the shower, it’s tied to how your whole plumbing system is working or not working.

What’s Behind the Gurgling Noise in Your Plumbing?

Your shower drain, bathtub, sinks, and toilets all share a complex plumbing system.

Key parts include:

Drain line: Carries waste water away.
P-trap and shower trap: Keep sewage smells from coming back.
Vent pipe and vent stack: Allow air into the lines.
Toilet drain: Connects to the main drain system.

When any piece fails, you’ll hear strange noises, bubbles, or worse; water backing up.

What Are the Top Reasons Your Shower Drain Is Making a Gurgling Noise?

Clogged Drain or P-Trap

A clogged drain is the most common cause of a gurgling noise.
Hair, soap, and dirt block the p-trap and force air to bubble back.

You’ll notice:

Slow drainage
Noise coming after showers
Bad smells around the faucet or shower

Blocked Plumbing Vent or Vent Stack

If your vent stack or vent pipe is clogged by bird nests, leaves, or snow it can’t let air escape.

This causes pressure problems, creating a gurgling effect when water goes down.

Signs you have a blocked vent:

Bubbling in the bathroom sink
Bathtub drain making gurgling sounds
Water backing up the drain

Collapsed Sewer Line or Drain Line

Tree roots can crush your main sewer line or drain line.
When that happens:

Toilets flush poorly.
Shower and tub drains make loud gurgling sounds.
Sewage smells rise from drains.

How to Tell if the Gurgling Noise Is a Serious Plumbing Problem

Watch for these red flags:

Toilet flushes with a loud gulp or bubbles
Gurgling noise coming from multiple drains
Water backing up into the bathtub
Bad sewage smell from faucet or shower

If you spot two or more, it may be time to call a professional.

DIY Fixes Before You Call a Plumber

Before panicking, try these:

1. Use a Plunger

Place a wet cloth over nearby drains.
Use a plunger on the shower drain.
Create strong suction with firm plunges.

2. Snake the Drain

Use a small drain snake.
Push gently to the snake to remove blockage.

3. Drain Cleaner (Safe Version)

Use eco-friendly drain cleaner options.
Avoid chemicals that can harm your pipes.

Problem	DIY Fix	Call a Pro If
Clogged P-trap	Use a plunger	Noise keeps returning
Blocked vent	Inspect roof vent	Can’t access vent safely
Sewer backup	Snake the drain	Sewage smells appear

When It’s Time to Call a Professional Plumber

Still hearing that gurgling sound? Water moving slowly? Strange noises everywhere?

It’s time to call Drain Pros Venture, the top choice in Venture & West San Fernando Valley for plumbing emergencies.

We’ll quickly handle:

Blocked vents
Broken sewer lines
Gurgling showers, bathtubs, and sinks
Problems causing the gurgling noise coming from the shower

Our professional plumbing services keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable.

A hand wearing a pink glove removes a clogged drain cover from a bathtub drain. Hair and debris are visible, likely causing a gurgling sound.

How High Water Pressure Creates Gurgling Noises

When water moves too fast through pipes, it creates air pressure issues.

Signs of high water pressure:

Noise you hear when faucets run
Water heater noises
Pipes rattling when toilets flush

Normal water pressure = 40–60 PSI.

Above that? Pipes strain, and you’ll hear strange noises after you shower.

How to Prevent Gurgling Noises in Your Shower Drain

Preventing the gurgling sound is easier than fixing it.

Tips:

Clean drains monthly.
Install hair catchers in tubs and showers.
Check roof vents for debris (especially after storms).
Let the water flow fully when flushing.

A well-maintained drain system means less risk of trapped air causing that awful noise coming from your pipes.

What if my bathtub drain is making a gurgling noise too?

Hearing a gurgling noise coming from the bathtub too?

It often means:

Shared drain lines are clogged.
The upstairs shower affects downstairs drains.
There’s a major plumbing work issue underground.

If the bathtub drain is making gurgling sounds, it’s wise to inspect both your shower trap and tub drain immediately.

FAQs About Gurgling Shower Drains

Why does my sink drain gurgle when the toilet flushes?

The toilet flush pushes air and water through a common vent.

If the vent opens for air to exit but the vent is clogged, it results in a gurgling sound from the shower or sink drains.

In many cases, this indicates that there is an obstruction in the vent or drain trap.

Can I inspect my plumbing to find the cause of the gurgling sound?

Absolutely. Check Your Drain Trap For Debris

If you hear gurgling sounds coming from the shower or other drains, you might also want to look for indications that a vent pipe may be blocked.

Look at your plumbing; look at the build-up or possibly clogging,

Should I worry if I hear a gurgling sound when water is going down the drain?

It depends.

Gurgle noise indicates air trapped & being pushed back up.

There may also be a blocked vent that is preventing air from being replaced, a clog inside of the drain, or an issue with the drain line. If the noise continues to occur, blockage is most likely.

A temporary fix with a plunger or some drain cleaner might alleviate the effects, but if you find yourself often in this situation, it’s time to inspect your plumbing with a pro.

What’s the top causes of a drain gurgling noise?

Some of the most common causes of these problems include clogged drain traps, a blocked vent, or your sewer line.

Debris tends to clog the airways in the vent, just like a bird s nest, causing the gurgling.

Water will not flow the way that it should, leading to sounds as water gets trapped and water fails to escape.

What causes the gurgling noise coming from shower drain specifically?

You might be wondering what that gurgling noise coming from shower drain means, and it nearly always means that the water clog or blocked vent is trapping air.

That air to escape is blocked, meaning the air comes back through the pipes.

If other fixtures are clogged and the bathtub drain is making gurgling noises, then it may also be necessary to check any nearby drains.