How to fix a gurgling toilet?

Author: Ms. April Lebsack DDS  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

Tips to Fix a Gurgling Toilet
  1. Try plunging: Start with a good old plunger. ...
  2. Snake the drain: If plunging doesn't work, try a drain auger, also known as a sewer snake. ...
  3. Check and clear the vent stack: Sometimes, a blockage in the vent stack causes toilet gurgling.

Why does my toilet gurgle but drains fine?

The gurgling noise and the low water level in the toilets is because the pressure in the sewer line is lower than outside. The water is sucked (or more physically correct, pushed by air pressure) down the toilet.

What happens if you don't fix a gurgling toilet?

If your home and pipes are in good condition, you likely won't notice any damage at first. But over time, and with continued use, these can weaken your pipes and lead to leaks and other damage. The next time your drains are clogged or your bathroom sink gurgles, don't reach for the drain cleaner.

How to fix negative air pressure in a toilet?

The key is to understand that negative pressure is caused by blockages in the pipes. These occur in the waste pipe o the ventilation pipe. The simplest approach to resolve the issue is to use a plunger in your toilet. It's important that you use a toilet plunger as this fits over the whole of the opening.

How to get rid of air in pipes when flushing a toilet?

Open all the faucets, and flush the toilets. Then turn the water on slowly. Let it run until all the air is purged.

How to Fix a Gurgling Toilet

How do you get trapped air out of toilet pipes?

It is only necessary to open the faucets a half turn to allow the air in your pipes to escape. After you turn on all the cold and hot water faucets in your house, you should also flush your toilets to clear out the air trapped in your pipes.

How do I stop my toilet from bubbling when flushed?

Grab a plunger and set the bulb inside of the hole in your toilet. Repeatedly push down to force air into the drain pipe. This should clear any minor blockages that are causing your issues. You won't see the air bubbles when flushing the toilet anymore.

Should I call a plumber for a gurgling toilet?

The fix is to plunge the toilet until the clog is removed. However, if you notice gurgling sounds even after removing the clog, you will want to have your plumber clean the sewer lines. For instance, there could be excess toilet paper still causing a partial clog and preventing proper airflow down the pipe.

How do you clear an airlock in a toilet?

Allow taps and showers to run until there's no more sputtering and waters flowing freely through every tap/shower. Flush all toilets a few times. Turn off all taps and showers; the airlock should be removed, repeat again if you feel there's still air in the pipes.

Why do I hear gurgling when I flush the toilet?

What Causes a Toilet to Gurgle? The cause of your toilet gurgling is a blocked line somewhere. A clog is creating negative air pressure, Instead of air flowing through the lines,the air pushes back and causes the gurgling sound. Sometimes, you'll also see the toilet water bubble.

Can a plunger fix a gurgling toilet?

Plunging is often the first line of defense against toilet clogs and can sometimes resolve gurgling issues. Follow these steps: Ensure there's enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger head.

Where is the vent pipe for a toilet?

However, here's a general guideline: 1. Behind or within the Wall: In most cases, the vent pipe for a toilet should run vertically from the toilet's waste pipe (known as the closet bend) and extend upward to connect with the main vent stack or a branch vent line that ultimately exits through the roof of your home.

Does a gurgling toilet mean septic tank is full?

When your septic tank is excessively full, your toilet may start acting odd. You might find that your toilet doesn't fully flush or flushes very slowly and odd noises occur when you flush your toilet. These noises usually sound like gurgling or bubbling.

Why won't my drain stop gurgling?

So in summary – clogged drains, blocked vents, main sewer clogs, and incorrect pipe slopes are basically the four common culprits of a gurgling drain. Once you can pinpoint which one might be your particular issue, you can start exploring the right tactics to get that plumbing symphony silenced once and for all.

What are the signs of a full septic tank?

How can you tell if your septic tank is full?
  • You have trouble flushing your toilet, or it's constantly backing up. ...
  • Your pipes make a gurgling sound or drain very slowly. ...
  • Your lawn is suddenly growing lush, green grass. ...
  • Water starts to pool in your yard. ...
  • Your home or yard smells like… well, sewage.

Why is my toilet flushing slow but not clogged?

Check the water level:

This cause by far the most common reason for slow flushing toilets. If the water in the tank is not up to the recommended level, you may have poor flushing power.

Will an airlock eventually clear itself?

Will an Airlock Eventually Clear Itself? Sometimes, small airlocks may clear themselves as water circulation continues with one or more radiators. However, larger airlocks often require manual intervention, like bleeding the radiators or using a hose to release the trapped air.

How do you unblock a bubbling toilet?

What's The Fix? Give it ten or fifteen strong plunges. If the blockage is close to the surface, this should be able to remove it. If that doesn't work, try a drain snake, sewer snake, or a plumber's auger down the drain hole to clear the pipe.

How to get air out of your toilet line?

Remove air from your pipes in five easy steps:
  1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Valve. ...
  2. Open all the faucets in your house. ...
  3. Wait for All Faucets to Run Dry and Flush Toilets. ...
  4. Turn the Main Water Supply Back On. ...
  5. Turn All Faucets Off Again in the Correct Order.

Why is my toilet gurgling but not clogged?

It could be that negative air pressure or suction is building up in the drain line. Eventually, the negative air pressure releases, pushing air back up through the drain and into the toilet bowl, causing the gurgling sound. When this occurs, the toilet may also bubble and flush itself.

How much does it cost to fix a gurgling toilet?

Prices to fix a running toilet range from $50 to $400. Sometimes, they run continuously. There can be various reasons for this, including a leaky flapper, too much water in the tank, or issues with the refill tube.

How do you fix a noisy toilet when flushing?

If your fill valve is worn out or faulty, it may cause a whining sound after flushing. You can easily check if the fill valve is damaged: just open the tank, find the valve, and check for leaks, cracks, or debris. If you notice any issues, you can replace the fill valve according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Use a Wire Hanger (DIY Drain Snake)

You can use a wire clothing hanger by unraveling and straightening it out. Push one end of the wire into the toilet until you reach the debris. Carefully prod the blockage to break it up, sending the pieces down the drain.

Why do toilet pipes gurgle after flushing?

If the vent pipes become clogged or obstructed, it prevents that crucial airflow during toilet flushes – often forcing the displaced air to explosively exit out through the path of least resistance like sink drains instead. This sudden air displacement is what creates those gurgling sounds.

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