The toilet is the most frequently used fixture in our homes, and it’s critical to our daily lives. It provides us with a simple and quick solution for answering nature’s call. If the toilet malfunctions, it can cause major problems that require immediate attention.
If you’re hearing a gurgling sound when you flush your toilet, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll examine the most frequent causes of a gurgling, burping, or non-flushing toilet, as well as how to fix them without hiring a plumber. We want to help you solve this issue effortlessly and with minimal expense.
How to fix a gurgling toilet
1. Clogs
When you hear gurgling sounds after flushing the toilet, it could be due to blockages caused by debris, sediments, or non-flushable items. These blockages prevent air from escaping, leading to the backward flow of air and the gurgling sound.
To fix minor blockages in the toilet bowl, use a plunger to remove any obstructions caused by tissue, hair, or excrement. This will allow air to flow freely through the vent stack or sewage line during flushing.
For more severe blockages, a toilet auger is the best tool to use. The auger rotates as you turn the handle clockwise, creating a screwing action that disintegrates and removes the clog completely, whether it’s in the toilet bowl or the drain.
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2. Air in the Lines
Have you ever flushed your toilet and heard a strange sound like large bubbles popping up? This is usually caused by air building up in the drain and sewer system, which makes the toilet gurgle and bubble.
To fix this issue, you can start by using a plunger to clear any blockages in the toilet bowl and drain. This should reduce the amount of air spurting out. If the problem continues, you may need to call a plumber to check for leaks in the sewage line leading to the toilet drain.
3. Sediment Buildup
Did you know that sometimes when you flush the toilet, it makes a weird gurgling noise? One reason for this is because of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron that can build up in the toilet tank and pipes over time.
This can cause a red-orange substance to form and clog the equipment, which leads to the gurgling sound. To avoid this, it’s important to clean out any buildup using a toilet brush and a bleaching agent.
4. Vent Stack Blockage
A toilet vent stack is like a breathing tube for your toilet. It helps get rid of bad smells and gases between the sewer line and the toilet by regulating air pressure.
But if your vent stack gets blocked with stuff like leaves, nests, or dust, it can stop air from flowing through the toilet drain. This can cause clogs and make the toilet gurgle when you flush.
To fix this, you can check the vent stack from the top and use a hook and wire to remove any blockages, like leaves or branches. That way, the air can flow freely again and your toilet will work better.
5. Tank Equipment – bubbling toilet that won’t flush
The gurgling sound coming from your toilet tank can be really annoying and it might not go away easily.
Usually, the cause of this problem is a faulty float ball and fill system. This happens when you flush the toilet and the fill system struggles to work properly.
To fix this, make sure that the float ball is working correctly and the ball lock assembly is not covered in iron-orange fur, which can prevent the float ball from working. Also, the water level should always be 20 cm below the overflow tube.
If you still hear gurgling sounds after trying these things, check for any corroded or malfunctioning components in the tank. You can use a brush and a bleaching agent to remove any corrosive buildup. If the problem persists, it’s best to seek professional help.
Conclusion
If your toilet is making gurgling sounds, don’t worry – it doesn’t mean you have to replace it. It’s a common issue that can happen when the air vent in your plumbing system gets blocked.
But don’t fret, there are five simple steps you can take to fix the problem yourself! Just follow them carefully, and you’ll have a working toilet without having to call in a plumber. No more gurgling!
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What does a gurgling toilet mean?
Toilet gurgle is the awkward sound produced either from the toilet bowl or tank as a result of air escaping backward due to blockages or malfunctioning components.
For blockages, this might be from the sewer line, vent stack or toilet bowl.
The forceful negative air pressure pushes itself back into the toilet bowl making the water to bubble producing a bubbling sound.
Simple tips to fix a slow draining toilet?
Experiencing a toilet that is taking ages to drain once you flush? Here are simple do-it-yourself steps that can aid you fix any issues without calling a plumber.
Common reasons for a slow draining toilet and how to fix them:
Clogs in the pipes
A toilet that is slow to drain when flushed might be as a result of an obstruction in the pipes that is preventing water from flowing in the right way.
A plunger is the best tool that can dislodge any clog in the toilet bowl and drain.
Mineral deposits in the toilet tank
Most toilet tanks are made of metal and plastic which are prone to iron-orange fur or even sediment build up inside the tank.
This mineral buildup tends to affect the flapper valve, which creates a watertight seal that holds water until someone flushes the toilet.
The mineral deposits hinder the flapper from working correctly, thereby affecting the rate at which water flushes out. Having said that; replacing these parts isn’t too expensive.
Toilet flush mechanism
Over time, toilet systems tend not to work correctly at it(check??) should, especially the flapper or the chain connected to the flapper.
If the chain that is connected to the flapper is tangled, broken or the flapper itself is loose, this will affect the rate at which the toilet flushes.
Check to see if the chain is tangled or broken; one can untangle the chain so that it can work correctly.
Toilet blocked & blowing bubbles
A common culprit of a bubbling toilet might be a clogged vent stack. The vent stack allows the flushed water from the toilet; the air needed to drain appropriately.
Also, vest stack acts like a breather that prevents horrible smell back in our bathrooms,
So, to avoid the toilet from blowing bubbles, first check if the vent stuck is clear from clogs like bird-nest, branches, leaves, etc. one can climb to the roof and check if the vent stuck is clear from any blockages.
If there is any, one can remove them by hand or using a hook. This will aid you to remove clogs that are a bit far. The final step is to flush the line with a garden hose to clear any remaining clogged.
Air bubbles in my toilet tank
These small tiny bubbles that seem to sit in the toilet tank are mainly caused by a water supply line.
Water that contains air regularly travels inside the toilet tank. The air which is unable to escape becomes visible as bubbles inside the floor of the toilet tank.
This is evident when the toilet tank refills after flushing the toilet, one can hear a sputtering sound as water shoots through the fill valve in to the tank.
How to stop bubbles inside the toilet tank:
Even though air bubbles aren’t something one should be worried about, the only remedy to get rid of them is by flushing the toilet multiples times throughout the day.
As water flushes, those tiny air bubbles will be exposed to air allowing them to escape.
My toilet spit water when i flush
This happens when the toilet bowl isn’t receiving the required amount of water when one flushes the toilet. Maybe the flush valve refill tube is not properly fitted or the fill valve is not working properly.
So this is affecting the required amount of water reaching the toilet bowl forcing the toilet to spit.
The most probable solution is to reattach the refill tube firmly in place if it isn’t working the way it should, then replacing the fill valve.(toilet gurgles at end of flush)
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Why is my toilet making gurgling sounds when I flush it?
The gurgling sound in your toilet when flushing is usually caused by a partial blockage in the drain or venting system. When water rushes down the drain during flushing, it displaces air in the pipes. If the air cannot escape properly due to a blockage, it can cause the water to gurgle as it tries to find a path around the trapped air.
What are the common reasons for toilet gurgling sounds?
Some common reasons for toilet gurgling sounds include:
Clogged Pipes: Accumulation of debris, toilet paper, or foreign objects in the drain pipes can cause blockages and lead to gurgling sounds.
Blocked Venting System: The plumbing system includes vents that allow air to enter, ensuring smooth drainage. If these vents are blocked by leaves, birds’ nests, or other debris, it can result in gurgling.
Main Sewer Line Clog: A blockage in the main sewer line, which connects your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer system, can cause gurgling in multiple fixtures, including the toilet.
Septic Tank Issues: If you have a septic system, a full or malfunctioning septic tank can cause gurgling as it hinders proper wastewater flow.
Are gurgling sounds in the toilet harmful or dangerous?
In most cases, gurgling sounds themselves are not dangerous. However, they indicate an underlying plumbing issue that needs attention. Ignoring the gurgling could lead to more significant problems, such as complete blockages, sewage backups, or even potential damage to your plumbing system.
Can I fix the gurgling sound in my toilet by myself?
In some cases, you may be able to fix the issue yourself, but it depends on the cause of the gurgling. If the problem is due to a minor blockage in the toilet’s internal trap or drain, you can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage.
For more complex issues involving the main sewer line or venting system, it’s best to seek professional help from a licensed plumber.
How can I prevent toilet gurgling sounds in the future?
To prevent toilet gurgling sounds, consider the following tips:
- Avoid Flushing Inappropriate Items: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing items like wipes, sanitary products, or excessive amounts of tissue, as they can lead to clogs.
- Regular Maintenance: Have a plumber conduct regular maintenance and inspections of your plumbing system to catch and address potential issues early on.
- Check Venting System: Periodically inspect your plumbing vents to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning correctly.
- Be Water-Wise: Avoid excessive water use, as it can overload the plumbing system and contribute to gurgling problems.
Is there any connection between toilet gurgling and a foul smell in my bathroom?
Yes, there could be a connection. Gurgling sounds often indicate an issue with the plumbing system, and if there is a blockage or poor ventilation, it can trap foul-smelling sewer gases inside the pipes.
These gases can find their way back into your bathroom, causing unpleasant odors. Solving the gurgling problem may also resolve the foul smell issue.
My toilet gurgles but doesn’t flush properly. What should I do?
Answer: If your toilet is gurgling and not flushing correctly, it’s likely a sign of a more severe blockage in the plumbing system.
Try using a plunger to clear the clog gently. If that doesn’t work, avoid flushing again and call a professional plumber to inspect the issue and resolve it safely.
Can cold weather cause toilet gurgling sounds?
Cold weather itself doesn’t directly cause gurgling sounds, but it can contribute to the problem. During colder months, pipes may contract and become slightly misaligned, making it easier for blockages to form.
Additionally, freezing temperatures can cause ice blockages in poorly insulated pipes or vents, leading to gurgling and drainage issues.
Can tree roots cause gurgling sounds in the toilet?
Yes, tree roots can be a common cause of gurgling sounds in toilets and other plumbing fixtures. As trees grow, their roots can infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and restricting proper water flow. This can result in gurgling sounds as air becomes trapped within the blocked pipes.
Should I be concerned if the gurgling sound goes away on its own?
While it might be tempting to ignore the problem if the gurgling sound goes away, it’s not a guarantee that the issue is resolved. In some cases, the blockage may temporarily shift, allowing water to flow more freely, but the underlying problem remains.
It’s essential to have a professional plumber inspect the plumbing system to ensure there are no hidden issues that could lead to more significant problems in the future.
Read:- What to Do When your Toilet has Weak Flush
