What does gurgling toilet mean?

Author: Montana Rau  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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.

How do you fix a gurgling toilet?

Place the plunger over the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat this plunging motion several times to create pressure and dislodge the blockage. If the blockage is severe, you may need to repeat the process multiple times.

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.

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.

Is toilet gurgling normal?

That gurgling sound isn't just your toilet clearing its throat – it's a sign that something's disrupting the normal flow of air and water within your plumbing system.

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle After I Flush? | Ask a Plumber by Mr. Rooter Plumbing

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.

Can a gurgling toilet fix itself after flushing?

Can a Gurgling Toilet Fix Itself? It is possible the gurgling sounds go away on their own if the drain clog clears itself or you remove any debris from the vent stacks on the roof. If the issue lies in your main sewer line, you'll need the help of professional plumbers.

How to tell if your toilet is air locked?

If air is trapped in your system, it may cause gurgling, or bubbling in your toilets. Incomplete Toilet Flush Cycle: If when you flush the toilet it does not flush completely, and water continues to swirl around in the bowl and goes down slowly, it is usually caused by an air lock.

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.

Why is air bubbling up through the toilet?

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.

When the washing machine drains, the toilet gurgles.?

It means that there is a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. When the washing machine drains, it creates a vacuum effect that causes the toilet to bubble and indicates a blockage in the system. It could be in the main sewer line or one of the secondary sewer lines.

How do I know if my toilet is clogged or septic tank is full?

You have trouble flushing your toilet, or it's constantly backing up. If all the bathrooms and drains in your home are draining slowly, or are hard to flush, this could indicate that it isn't just a simple clog. It may be a septic tank issue.

How much does it cost to have septic pumped?

The average cost to pump a septic tank is $423, with most people paying between $289 and $557. Septic tank pumping isn't the most glamorous task, but it's one that you should definitely stay on top of every three to five years to keep your system working properly and avoid an unsightly (and smelly) mess in your yard.

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.

How to unclog main sewer line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

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 to get rid of air in toilet water line?

Toilet flushing. Flush all the toilets in your home until no water is left in the tanks. This is the best way of getting air out of water lines leading to these fixtures.

How do you unclog a sewer vent?

Plumber's Snake: Push through interior drains to reach the vent. Continue pushing until you don't feel any obstruction, then remove the snake to see if the clog has been removed. Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution: Pour a mixture down the drain to dissolve blockages.

How to get an airlock out of 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.

How do you tell if a toilet is clogged or a pipe is clogged?

How to Tell if Your Toilet is Clogged. Signs that your toilet (or sewer line) is blocked include: The water does not flush properly, stays in the bowl for long periods or ends up overflowing over the top of the bowl. When the toilet is flushed, water starts to gurgle up in your shower or bathtub drain.

How do I find my toilet air vent?

The plumbing vent/s usually go though the roof, and can become clogged. Usually there is one main vent close for toilets/sinks/showers, but if there is more plumbing at the other end of the house, might be a second vent. Try to find a clean out(a tee with a cap) and can probably run a snake up the vent.

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.

Will a gurgling toilet overflow?

If the sewer line is the cause of the bubbling in the toilet, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible, as it can lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed. In some cases, a sewer line problem can also cause the toilet to overflow, which can be a serious problem.

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.

Previous article
How long does it take for a compressor to reset?
Next article
Do people on HGTV get to keep the furniture?