A bubbling or gurgling toilet indicates a plumbing system issue. Ignoring these signs can lead to water backing up in your home and other serious problems. If your toilet is frequently gurgling, you’re likely going to need help from a professional plumber. Below, we’ve outlined the most common potential causes of gurgling toilets and what is typically done to address these problems.
Potential Causes of a Gurgling Toilet
Flapper Issues
The flapper is the component in the cistern that flushes and refills the toilet tank with water. Flapper issues are the most common root causes of gurgling toilets. If flapper issues are causing your toilet to bubble, the easiest thing you can do is have it replaced by a professional. In some cases, your toilet’s entire cistern will need to be replaced. A professional plumber will help you decide on the best course of action.
Sewer Line Blockage
Issues with your exterior sewer line can also cause your toilet to bubble. Perhaps your sewer line drainpipe collapsed, clogging your drain line. A clogged sewer line traps air inside your pipes, leaving the air with nowhere to go. When water from other drains pushes against this blockage, the trapped air is displaced and forced backward through the toilet’s water seal, creating those signature bubbles.
Also, tree roots or debris can obstruct the line, creating an airtight seal that traps air inside your pipes. As wastewater moves toward this blockage, the trapped air is forced backward through your plumbing and escapes as bubbles through the toilet’s water trap. Clearing root intrusions typically requires specialized sewer root services.
Air in the Supply Lines (Incoming Water)
Unlike a sewer blockage, this issue occurs in the pressurized pipes that bring clean water into your home. If you have a leaky pipe, a worn-out valve, or a malfunctioning well pump, air can get sucked into the system and become trapped.
When you flush, this trapped air is forced out of the supply line and into your toilet tank, causing the water to “spit,” hiss, or gurgle as the tank refills. If you notice these sounds at the back of the toilet or at your faucets, rather than deep within the toilet bowl, the problem is likely in your water supply lines, not your sewer.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Plumbing vents are essential for regulating your air pressure, improving water flow in your plumbing system, and preventing sewer odors from entering your home. If something blocks the vents and pressure accumulates in your plumbing system, your toilet will produce a bubbling or gurgling sound.
Potential root causes of plumbing vent pipe blockages include:
- Rodent carcasses
- Bird nests
- Tree leaves
- Snow accumulation
- Damaged vent covering
Often, unblocking the plumbing vent will make your toilet stop gurgling. A professional plumber will identify the blockage and safely remove it.
Water Has Calcifying Elements
If you have hard water, and the water in your toilet tank contains calcifying elements such as calcium or iron, it can lead to clogs. Consider changing your water source or installing a water softener to prevent this issue from occurring.
Full Septic Tank
Your toilet will produce a gurgling sound if your septic tank is full and cannot accommodate any more waste. If you can’t recall your last septic tank pumping or cleaning session, this is likely the root cause of the bubbling sound. The gurgling noises may become louder each time you flush the toilet. If this is the case, you can fix your gurgling toilet with septic tank repairs.
Contact Arnold & Sons for Bubbling Toilet Repairs
Toilet gurgling can be irritating, especially if you can’t stop it. If your toilet is bubbling and you’re not sure what’s behind it, schedule plumbing repairs. A plumber will identify and address the root cause of your bubbling toilet.
If you’re in the greater Peoria area, Arnold & Sons Plumbing, Sewer, and Drain Services is your trusted partner for all plumbing repairs. We have years of experience, a good reputation in the industry, and the tools and expertise to fix bubbling toilets on the first visit. Contact us today to resolve any plumbing problem, including gurgling toilets.
