A toilet bowl gurgles because of negative air pressure in the drain due to a blockage. The water and debris no longer flow freely, so gurgling is the result. The toilet may be clogged, a drain line may be clogged, a vent stack on the roof may be blocked or the municipal main line may have a major blockage.
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.
One of the more common reasons for a toilet to start gurgling is a clog in the toilet's drain line. The blockage can impede the flow of waste and air, causing negative pressure to build up in the drainpipe and producing a gurgling sound or even bubbles in the toilet water as air slowly escapes.
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
Gurgling septic pipes are usually a sign of a backed up septic system that is clogged. The pipes that are connected to the system will make a very distinct gurgling sound. If you have ever heard this before, you know exactly what this sounds like.
We recommend you add a cup of baking soda to your blocked toilet and wait for some minutes. Next, pour two cups of vinegar slowly into the toilet. Vinegar and baking soda will typically react to form bubbles, so ensure you pour carefully and slowly to prevent the toilet water from overflowing or splashing.
What Causes a Toilet to Gurgle? The strange gurgling noises are the result of negative air pressure in your drain pipes. So, if you hear these noises, it's because something is blocking your drain pipes. Instead of flowing down the line freely, it pushes back and produces those unusual sounds.
If water starts coming out of the drain in a main floor tub or shower, or if the toilets start filling up when you use a drain or run the washing machine, most likely you have a main sewer line clog.
Gurgling is caused when something is preventing water or air from flowing through your drains. As the water slowly travels through your drains, air bubbles begin to form and create a gurgling sound. Whether it's your sink, toilet or shower, even floor drains all can make that gurgling sound.
If your toilet is backing up, it may be due to your tank not having enough water to flush it. Low tank water levels may result from several causes. Damaged water supply lines, broken tank seals, and other issues may prevent tanks from filling completely. Some toilet models may also have low flush strength.
Air Trapped in Vent
The pipes extend from the drain up through the roof, transferring wastewater and odour away from the house. Gurgling can occur if the vents become clogged. When air cannot escape through vents, it forces itself through the drains. The resulting difference in pressure causes gurgling.
Gurgling noises through the pipes are often heard and can be expected when you have a new plumbing system or one that has been drained and refilled. However, gurgling noise can also mean that air is trapped in central heating pipes. When this happens, it's best to bleed the pipes to release the trapped air.
Slow drainage
Water should go down quickly when you flush the toilet. If it takes a while for your toilet bowl to drain, there might be something stuck in the pipes preventing normal flow. Clogs can cause a complete blockage as well as slow drainage. Either way, you need plumber assistance if this is the issue.
Water draining slowly – This means a partial blockage is forming that isn't big enough to block the toilet completely. The bowl remaining empty or almost empty – This indicates that there is a problem with air circulation in the waste pipes.
Should I look into my sewer lines? Remember, a gurgling sink every time a toilet is flushed can indicate problems with your sewer line. Problems may include a small or huge blockage, but a sink gurgles more due to improper ventilation. You don't need to use a sewer auger to examine your pipes immediately.
Caustic soda is a nasty chemical that can burn, but it's very effective for unclogging toilets. To use this chemical, you need to get some rubber gloves and eye protection. You can pick the chemical from the local hardware or grocery stores. Pour a ¾ gallon of cold water into a bucket, and add 3 cups of caustic soda.
Pour Hot Water into the Toilet
If you need to heat some in the microwave or the stovetop, you don't want it to reach boiling temperatures. Boiling water can cause toilet porcelain to crack. Allow the hot fluid to sit in the toilet for a few minutes to loosen the clog.
Waiting to deal with your toilet's clog for a few hours can be harmless. But, waiting longer than that can cause some issues that you probably want to avoid, including: Overflows: Some toilets have small leaks that run all of the time.
How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger. After the water is turned off, try using a conventional plunger to unclog the toilet. Be sure the water covers the cup of the plunger; if it doesn't, you may need to manually control the flapper until enough water enters the bowl.
Check water level in toilet bowl
Listen for a gurgling sound from the drain (a good sign) and check the water level in the toilet bowl. If nearly all the water drained from the bowl, then you've probably cleared the clog.
Gurgling. When your plumbing system is attempting to drain out excess water or waste it may emit a type of gurgling noise. This gurgling sound is similar to the noise you would hear while emptying a bottle of liquid. This gurgling or glugging sound can be a sign that you have a clogged pipe somewhere in your system.
Step 1: Try to Unclog the Drain
Plunge the sink with a cup plunger. If the gurgling sound comes from a toilet, use a flange plunger. Clean the drain pipes by pouring a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain and letting them sit.