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Slow or gurgling drains
Gurgling means air is being pushed or pulled through water in the trap, usually because a line downstream is partly blocked or the vent isn't letting air in. One slow drain is a local clog; several slow drains point to the main line.
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- Price confirmed before work starts
Starting prices. Every job is different, so the technician confirms your price on site before any work starts. Nights, weekends and holidays add $150. All prices
What it usually means
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| One slow sink or tub | Clog in that fixture’s trap or branch line |
| Gurgling in one fixture when another drains | Partly blocked shared branch or main |
| Several fixtures slow at once | Main line clog |
| Gurgling plus sewer smell | Blocked vent or a dry trap |
| Slow after heavy rain | Partly blocked main, full street sewer |
How we fix it
- Find which line it is by running fixtures and listening.
- Clear the branch or main with the right cable machine.
- Flow-test every affected fixture.
- Camera if the main is involved or it keeps coming back.
Catch it early
Slow and gurgling drains are the cheap stage. Clearing a branch line now starts at $325. Waiting for a full backup usually means a main line visit, cleanup and, after hours, the surcharge.
Where we work
What we don't do. We clear, clean and inspect drains and sewer lines. If the camera shows a cracked, collapsed or separated line, you get the footage and a referral to an NYC master plumber for the fix. Why we work this way
Common questions
Why does my sink gurgle when the toilet flushes?
The flush pushes a slug of water down a shared line. If the line is partly blocked, air gets forced back up through the nearest trap. It's an early sign of a branch or main line clog.
Can a blocked vent cause gurgling?
Yes. Drains need air from the roof vent to flow smoothly. Leaves, nests or ice can block it. If clearing the line doesn't stop the gurgling, the vent is the next thing to check.
Is a slow drain urgent?
One slow drain usually isn't. Several slow drains at once, or gurgling that gets worse, often comes before a full backup.
Need a drain cleared?
Calls are answered 24 hours a day. A technician looks at the job and confirms your price on site before any work starts.