A gurgling toilet can be annoying and even a little alarming. But don’t worry, a gurgling toilet is usually an easy fix. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why your toilet might be gurgling and how to stop it.
What Causes A Toilet to Gurgle?
There are a few common culprits behind a gurgling toilet:
Drain Vent Blockage
All drain pipes need vents to allow air to enter the pipe. This prevents water from siphoning out of traps as it flows down the pipe. If a vent gets blocked, it can’t properly vent the pipe. This causes gurgling noises as air bubbles pass through the water in the toilet bowl.
Blocked vents are often caused by nests from birds or rodents. Insects, leaves and other debris can also clog vents.
Partial Drain Clog
If something is partially blocking the drain pipe under your toilet, it can cause gurgling noises. Partial clogs force air and water to squeeze past the obstruction. This creates bubbles and water turbulence that makes gurgling sounds.
Partial clogs are commonly caused by buildups of hair, grease, soap scum and other debris in the pipe. Tree roots infiltrating underground pipes can also cause partial clogs.
Damaged Wax Ring Seal
The wax ring seal between the toilet and drain pipe needs to make a complete seal. If the wax ring is damaged, shifted or improperly installed, it can allow sewer gases to escape into the toilet. This can make gurgling noises as air from the sewer vent system bubbles up through the toilet water.
Wax rings can become damaged through shifting, improper installation, repeated heavy loads on the toilet or simply old age and deterioration.
Main Sewer Line Blockage
A significant clog or blockage farther down the main sewer line can back up wastewater into branches or fixtures, like your toilet drain. If the clog limits flow down the main line, air and water can get forced back up the toilet drain.
Main sewer clogs are often caused by buildups of grease, tree roots or collapsed piping.
When To Worry About Gurgling Noises
Occasional gurgling from your toilet when it refills is usually harmless. But consistent gurgling or louder gurgling noises can indicate problems that need attention.
Here are some signs that point to an underlying issue that should get inspected:
- Gurgling occurs frequently, not just occasionally
- Gurgling happens when toilet isn’t actively refilling
- Loud gurgling or gurgling that lasts more than a few seconds
- Toilet bubbles up or splashes when gurgling happens
- Sewer gas odor emitted from toilet
- Gurgling happens when another fixture is used
- Water drainage problems accompany gurgling
Don’t ignore consistent gurgling problems. They often indicate venting issues, drain clogs or wax ring damage that will continue to get worse if not properly repaired.
How To Fix a Gurgling Toilet
Here are some steps to stop a gurgling toilet:
Plunge the Toilet
Use a toilet plunger to plunge the bowl vigorously several times. This can dislodge minor clogs. Flush to see if gurgling improves.
If it does, continue plunging until the toilet flushes normally without gurgling. This indicates the partial clog has been cleared.
Check the Toilet Vent
If plunging doesn’t help, inspect the drain vent pipe behind the toilet.
Make sure it’s properly connected and not clogged with debris, insects or nesting materials. Also check that vent above roofline is clear.
Clear any obstructions. A drain snake may help dislodge tougher clogs if you can access the vent pipe.
After vent is clear, run water and flush toilet to test if gurgling stops.
Replace Wax Ring Seal
If plunging and vent inspection doesn’t reveal the cause, it may be a failed wax ring seal.
Turn off water supply, flush out remaining water and remove the toilet. Scrape off old wax, reapply new wax ring and reinstall toilet. New bolts are recommended too.
The toilet must sit level on the floor. Over-tightening bolts can crack porcelain, so tighten just until snug and watertight.
Turn water back on and test. The new wax seal should stop gurgling between the toilet and drain pipe.
Drain Snake Main Sewer Line
For persistent gurgling not resolved by above steps, the issue may be farther down the main sewer line.
Rent an electric drain auger or hand snake to clear the main line. Retrieve any debris or blockage. This should open flow down the line and stop backup into the toilet.
If snaking doesn’t unclog the backup, call a professional plumber to inspect and jet the main sewer line. Significant roots or other major issues may require sewer line repair or replacement.
DIY Methods To Stop Gurgling
Here are a few simple DIY methods you can try to eliminate gurgling:
- Pour hot water down toilet – Hot water can melt small clogs
- Use enzymatic drain cleaner – This breaks down organic matter like hair and grease
- Disassemble tank and inspect – Remove debris or obstructions inside tank
- Check that flapper seals tightly – A loose flapper can allow water to continuously leak down drain and gurgle
- Make sure tank water level set correctly – Too high can lead to flooding and gurgling
- Tighten fittings – Loose toilet fittings can break the toilet seal and cause gurgling
These easy steps may fix your gurgling toilet before it requires professional plumbing service.
When To Call A Professional Plumber
It’s smart to call a professional plumber if:
- You’ve tried all DIY methods and toilet still gurgles
- Gurgling is accompanied by major drainage problems
- Sewer gas odor coming from toilet
- You have a main sewer line clog outside your home
- Your vent stack piping needs inspection
- Wax ring replacement doesn’t resolve gurgling
- You suspect your main sewer line needs repair
A licensed plumber has the tools, equipment and expertise to fully diagnose why your toilet is gurgling and make all necessary repairs. This provides a more permanent fix and prevents continued gurgling issues.
FAQs About Gurgling Toilet Issues:
What are signs my toilet gurgling is a serious problem?
Signs of a serious underlying problem include loud or frequent gurgling, sewer odors, water backing up into the toilet bowl, gurgling from multiple plumbing fixtures, or water drainage problems. These indicate venting problems, drain backups or line blockages that require professional attention.
Why does my toilet gurgle when another fixture is used?
Shared venting means blockages can allow water getting sucked out of the toilet trap when using another fixture. Gurgling from toilet and another fixture likely means you have a main vent blockage.
Why is my toilet bubbling and spewing water?
Vigorous bubbling during refill often means the fill valve is set too high, overfilling the tank. This causes turbulence and overflow down the drain. Adjust fill valve to prevent overfilling.
What should I do if plunging and snaking don’t stop gurgling?
Call a professional plumber. Persistent gurgling usually requires specialized equipment to fully diagnose and repair. A camera inspection can identify hidden issues causing the gurgling. Professional drain cleaning, pipe repairs or toilet replacement may be needed.
Is it safe to use a gurgling toilet?
Occasional gurgles during refill are harmless, but consistent gurgling may indicate potential health hazards like sewer gas emissions. Clogged vents can allow dangerous sewer gases to leak from the toilet. Avoid using a gurgling toilet until a plumber investigates potential risks.
Conclusion
Don’t panic if your toilet gurgles now and then when refilling. But persistent or loud gurgling should get inspected, since it often signals venting problems, drain clogs or water backups.
Try some DIY fixes first, like plunging, cleaning vents or replacing the wax ring. But call a professional plumber if gurgling persists despite your efforts.
Ignoring a chronically gurgling toilet can allow minor issues to worsen into major plumbing headaches. Catching and fixing toilet gurgling promptly helps prevent bigger problems down the road.