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, call a plumber for immediate assistance. In the meantime, read about some possible root causes of a bubbling toilet.
Potential Causes of a Gurgling Toilet
Defective Flapper
A defective flapper is a common root cause of a gurgling toilet. The flapper is the component in the cistern that flushes and refills the toilet tank with water. The solution? Replace the flapper. In some cases, it’s advisable to change your toilet’s entire cistern. If you are unsure how to proceed, a professional plumber can advise you.
Blocked Sewer Line
Issues with your exterior sewer line can also cause your toilet to bubble. Perhaps your sewer line drainpipe collapsed, clogging your drain line. Also, tree roots and other debris can rupture the drain line. Clearing root intrusions typically requires specialized sewer root services.
Blocked Plumbing Vent
Plumbing events 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.
Water Has Calcifying Elements
If the water in your toilet tank contains calcifying elements such as calcium or iron, it can lead to clogs. You must be especially aware of this issue if you have hard water. 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. The best course of action is to schedule emergency septic tank pumping.
Air in Pipes
Bubbling or gurgling sounds can occur when air becomes trapped in the lines transporting water to your toilet. The trapped air makes water spurt and gurgle as it attempts to overcome the pressure.
This issue usually occurs because of leaky pipes and worn-out valves. If you use well water, air may enter the lines because of a malfunctioning pump. In these cases, the gurgle arises at the point where water enters your toilet tank.
Contact Arnold & Sons for Bubbling Toilet Repairs
Toilet gurgling can be irritating, especially if you can’t stop it. Scheduling regular plumbing maintenance will allow a plumber to identify and address issues causing your toilet to bubble.
Arnold & Sons Plumbing, Sewer, and Drain Services is your trusted partner for all plumbing issues. We have years of experience and a good reputation in the industry. Contact us today to resolve any plumbing problem including gurgling toilets.
