If you have ever noticed bubbles coming out of your toilet when you flush, don’t worry – you’re not the only one.
Toilet gurgling is a common problem that many people experience, but it can be fixed fairly easily in most cases.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes toilet bubbles and how to fix them. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future.
What Causes Bubbling (or Gurgling) Toilet?
There are several things that can cause your toilet to bubble when flushed, but the most common culprit is a blockage in the system.
Clogged Toilet Causes Gurgling Toilet
When you flush your toilet and see bubbles, it’s usually a sign that your toilet is clogged. The reason behind the bubbles is that the water is not able to flow freely through the pipes and is instead forced to bubble up.
There are many things that may cause the clogged toilet, such as a build-up of toilet paper, foreign objects, or even a blockage in the main sewer line.
People often use too much toilet paper or dispose of the feminine care products in the toilet and flush, which is a great mistake. Sanitary napkins are not supposed to be flushed down the toilet; rather, they should be wrapped and put in the trash can.
If you are experiencing toilet bubbles on a regular basis, it might be a sign that your toilet is clogged and needs to be fixed.
Toilet is Not Flushed Properly
Another reason why your toilet might bubble when flushed is because it’s not being flushed properly. This can often be caused by something as simple as putting too much paper in the toilet or trying to flush something that is too large. Or the toilet tank is not filled fully when you flushed.
When toilets are not flushed properly, it causes the water level in the bowl to rise and can create bubbles. This is also a sign that your toilet needs to be cleaned, as it can often be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.
Vent Pipes are Clogged
If you have checked for a clogged toilet and ruled it out, the next thing you should check is the vent pipes. Oftentimes, when the vent pipes are clogged, it can cause the toilet to gurgle or bubble.
Vent pipes are used for ventilation and maintaining the optimal pressure in the drainage system. When they are clogged, it can prevent the water from flowing properly due to excessive pressure from the septic system and can cause bubbling or gurgling noises.
As vent pipes remain out of the house and high up, it is often difficult to determine whether they are clogged or not. If you are experiencing bubbling noises from your toilet, it might be a good idea to check that.
You can check with the naked eye if it’s not too far. If it’s too far, you can still check it with a mobile phone camera that allows you to zoom in and see that. If you see anything blocking the opening of the vent pipe, that’s a sign that the vent pipe is causing the gurgling toilet.
Clog in the Mainline
If you have ruled out all other possibilities and still cannot figure out why your toilet is bubbling, it might be a clog in the mainline. The main line is the main sewer line that connects your house to the city sewer system.
If there is a clog in the mainline, it can prevent the water from flowing properly and can cause bubbling or gurgling noises.
This happens due to the same reasons that cause the toilet itself to clog up.
Faulty Flush Valve
The flush valve is the component of the toilet that controls the flow of water into and out of the bowl.
If the flush valve is not working properly, it can cause the water level in the bowl to rise and can create bubbles. This might require you to replace the entire flush valve mechanism.
Municipal Issue
In some cases, the bubbling toilet might be a result of an issue with the municipal sewer system. If this is the case, you will need to contact your local municipality for assistance.
Water Level in Toilet Tank Is Too High
If your water level in the toilet tank is too high, it can also cause the toilet to bubble when flushed.
This happens because the excess water causes the pressure in the system to increase and can force the air out of the pipes, which creates bubbles.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to adjust the water level in your toilet tank.
Incorrectly installed plumbing system
An incorrectly installed plumbing system can also be the cause for toilet bubbles. If you suspect this, it is best to call a professional plumber to take a look at your system and correct the issue.
Solutions to Toilet Bubbles When Flushed
Now that you know the different reasons why your toilet bubbles when flushed, here are some solutions to help correct the issue:
Check for a clogged toilet and clear any blockages
In my experience, 9 out of 10 toilet gurgling issues are caused by clog issues. So, the first and most logical place to look is the toilet itself.
Use a plunger to clear any blockages in the toilet that might be causing the issue.
Before you try this method, make sure that you have sealed off all the sinks and tubs nearby so that air doesn’t escape when you plunge. Plus, the plunger needs to be of good quality and fit the toilet opening to work this method.
While most clogs are pretty easy to fix with a plunger, you may need to use a snake auger for clogs that don’t clear with a plunger. Plumbing snakes can reach up to 15 feet into the drainpipe and clear out any clog that may have gone deep.
Check the vent pipes for blockages
If you fixed the toilet clog or ruled out that and see the vent pipes being clogged, here is a quick fix.
In most cases, vent pipes are clogged by birds. In some cases, you may find the clog happened due to the buildup of dust and leaves. You can use an extended stick to clear out those clogs from the vent pipe pretty easily.
However, be cautious while you perform that as the vent pipe can be pretty high up and hard to reach. Don’t climb the roof of your house without protective gear as this can be fatal if anything goes wrong.
Fixing Mainline and Municipality system clog
These two are most complicated as there are many things involved in the process. An easy way to find out whether the mainline is clogged is to check with your neighbor.
If they are experiencing the same gurgling in their toilets, it’s obvious that the problem lies in the common system.
You will need to call a plumbing professional or the municipality depending on where the clog is.
Replace the flush valve mechanism
If the flush valve mechanism is faulty, it can cause the toilet to bubble when flushed.
This is a simple repair and can be done by most people who have some knowledge about plumbing.
However, you will need to buy a new flush valve mechanism for this to work.
Adjust the water level in your toilet tank
If your water level in the toilet tank is too high, it can cause the toilet to bubble when flushed due to excessive pressure.
This is an easy fix. All you need to do is adjust the screw on the side of your toilet tank that controls the water level. Turn it clockwise to reduce the water level and vice versa.
Call a professional plumber
If you have tried all of the solutions listed here and your toilet is still bubbling when flushed, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide a permanent solution.
How to Prevent Toilet Gurgling Issues?
Toilet gurgling can be caused by a variety of reasons, including blockages in the drainage system, incorrect plumbing installation, and even changes in the weather.
If you are experiencing toilet gurgling issues, it is important to identify the cause and address it as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent toilet gurgling:
Ensure that your drainage system is clear of any blockages.
To prevent toilet gurgling issues, it is important to ensure that your drainage system is clear of any blockages.
You can do this by regularly cleaning your drainage system and checking for any obstructions.
If you are experiencing toilet gurgling issues, it is also important to identify the cause and address it as soon as possible to prevent deterioration of the issue.
A partial clog can become a full clog pretty fast and may give you a headache that you don’t want to bear.
Check your plumbing installation for any errors
When you’re installing new plumbing in your home, it’s important to check for any errors. Here are a few tips to help you check your installation and avoid any problems popping up in the future:
- Make sure all of your connections are tight and secure
- Check for any leaks or signs of corrosion
- Make sure all of your pipes are properly insulated
- Test the water pressure in each of your fixtures
- Make sure the drainage system is working properly
Avoid Flushing Unflashable Materials
Flushing unflashable materials can cause clogged toilet and drain pipe problems. These problems can be expensive to fix, and can also create a health hazard.
It is important to only flush materials that will dissolve in water and not cause clogs. This includes toilet paper and human waste. Materials like baby wipes, dental floss, birth control, and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet.
Protect the Vent Stack
The vent stack is a crucial part of the plumbing system, and it’s important to protect it from damage.
The vent stack helps to release the pressure that builds up in the drainage system, and if it’s damaged or blocked, it can cause serious problems.
It is important to make sure that nothing falls on top of the vent stack and to keep it clear of any debris or obstructions.
You can use a net to prevent any bird from making a nest in it. Plus, dust and leaves won’t be able to enter the vent pipe through the stack when you cover it up with a net.
Regularly Inspect the Plumbing System
It is important to regularly inspect the plumbing system in your home to ensure that everything is working properly.
You can do this by checking for any leaks, corrosion, and blockages. You should also test the water pressure in each of your fixtures.
If you are experiencing any problems with your plumbing system, it is important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Plumbing problems can be expensive and inconvenient to fix, so it’s best to take care of them before they become a bigger issue.
The best way to inspect is to hire a professional plumbing inspector who can check and let you know the details.
Conclusion
Toilet gurgling can be caused by a variety of reasons, including blockages in the drainage system, incorrect plumbing installation, and even changes in the weather.
If you are experiencing toilet gurgling issues, it is important to identify the cause and address it as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
What does it mean when a toilet bubbles?
When a toilet bubbles, it can mean one of two things: the water in the tank is too hot, or there’s a blockage in the drainage system.
If the water is too hot, you’ll need to adjust the temperature setting on your water heater. Bubbling can also be caused by air pockets trapped in the plumbing lines which are also caused by partial clogs in the toilet.
Can a gurgling toilet fix itself?
Yes, a gurgling toilet can fix itself. When air pockets build up from too much water flushed down the toilet or temperature changes, it usually gets fixed on its own when everything goes back to normal.
Partial clogs can also get fixed on their own but it’s not recommended to wait for it to clear up on its own. Things can go wrong pretty quickly and the partial clog can turn into a fully clogged toilet within a day or two.
However, if the noise is persistent or accompanied by other issues, it may be indicative of a more serious problem and require professional repair.
Why does one toilet bubble when another is flushed?
This happens when the mainline is clogged. The water from the toilet backs up and causes the toilet to bubble.
If you are experiencing this issue, it’s time to call a professional. However, we still recommend trying out the processes that we recommended above for toilet and pipe clogs to see if that fixes and saves you from spending hundreds of bucks.