Why does my toilet gurgle but drains fine?

Author: Lane Kohler II  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

There's a problem with the main sewer line. If your toilet plumbing is running fine, the cause of toilet gurgling could be due to the main sewer line. The pipes in this line could have become corroded, or grease may have built up significantly.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

How to get air out of toilet water line?

Wait for All Faucets to Run Dry and Flush Toilets

Wait for all faucets to stop running. The waiting time depends entirely on how much water your house was holding before turning the main valve off. Once all your faucets stop running, proceed to flush all toilets in your home. Keep flushing until there's no more water.

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.

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.

Where is the vent stack on a toilet?

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.

Why does my toilet gurgle when I drain the washing machine?

What does that mean? 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.

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 is my toilet hissing and gurgling?

The hissing noise is usually caused by a faulty or worn-out fill valve. The fill valve is responsible for refilling the toilet tank after each flush. When the fill valve is not functioning properly, it can create a small opening where water leaks out, resulting in a hissing sound.

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.

How do I get air out of my toilet system?

Excess Air in the Water Tank

Just open the filler valve at the back of your toilet and wait for about five minutes while it drains out some of its own water, then try refilling it again. This should get rid of any excess gas rattling around in there.

Will air in water pipes go away on its own?

If your well can't get enough water supply due to drought, the pump system will suck in air as it functions. The trapped air will make its way into your piping and faucets. The problem will persist for as long as the drought continues.

Why does my toilet sound like air in the line?

A hissing sound in the toilet could indicate a damaged toilet part or a dangerous plumbing leak in your walls. Either way, it's important that you call a plumber for emergency services. Leaving this issue unresolved could lead to further damage to your toilet or dangerous sewage leaks and water damage.

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 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. Related: Need help unclogging toilets in your home?

When I flush the toilet sink, gurgles.?

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.

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 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.

When I flush the toilet, water comes up the sink.?

A mild blockage refers to a clog in the toilet, which is often the first reason you experience drained water returning through the other outlets. When an obstruction is in the toilet, the water you flush down the outlet will find other outlets to use, eventually leading the water to come out of the sink or tub.

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