Why does my toilet make a gurgling sound when not in use?

Author: Kieran Zboncak Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Blocked Vent Pipe – Your plumbing system has vents that allow air to escape and maintain proper pressure. If a vent pipe gets clogged with leaves or debris, the air pressure in your pipes gets thrown off balance, leading to gurgling sounds.

Why is my toilet gurgling when not in use?

A gurgling toilet usually means a venting problem caused by a main drain backing up the vent and blocking it or the vent blocked by debris coming down from the roof.

How do you fix a toilet that is gurgling?

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 is my toilet making noise when not in use?

If you haven't flushed the toilet and it is making noise, chances are that water is leaking from the filler valve or the rubber flapper which blocks the drain. Have someone who understands how toilets work check this out and replace any parts that have failed.

Why does my toilet gurgle but drains fine?

This is a typical symptom of a partial blockage of the drain waste and vent system that serves the toilet. This also can be caused if something is lodged in the toilet trap way, where the toilet connects to the drain or improper connection of the toilet to the drain.

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

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.

Why does my toilet make a hissing sound when not in use?

Hissing toilet sound: A brief hiss as your toilet tank refills is normal, but a constant hiss might mean the flapper isn't doing its job. Water may also be draining into the overflow tube. To prevent this, make sure the fill valve is set below the overflow valve.

What is ghost flushing?

Ghost flushing, or phantom flushing, occurs when your toilet tank refills independently without anyone pressing the handle. Water leaks from the tank into the bowl, causing the fill valve to activate periodically to refill the tank. It's similar to your toilet flushing itself, but it's just refilling.

Why is my toilet making a rumbling sound?

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.

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.

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.

How to fix a toilet that gurgles?

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.

Where is the vent pipe 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 make a flushing sound when not flushed?

The Short Answer Is: Ghost flushing occurs when a toilet unexpectedly flushes without any apparent reason, often due to a slow leak in the tank that causes the water level to drop and trigger the flushing mechanism. To stop a running toilet, check for a faulty flapper or flush valve seal and replace it if necessary.

What is anxiety flushing?

The fight or flight response is a complex set of reactions that can be caused by fear and by anxiety. Flushing, or reddening of the face and/or other body parts, is one of the many side effects of these reactions.

Does phantom flushing raise the water bill?

An unnoticed phantom flush can become a silent culprit behind a sudden spike in your water bill. If your usage has increased, but your daily habits haven't changed, it's time to investigate whether the toilet is the traitor.

Why is my toilet whistling when not in use?

Toilet Whistling When Not In Use

A well-functioning toilet should remain silent once the tank is fully refilled after flushing. Whistling when not in use may be attributed to issues such as a leaking valve, deteriorating fill valves, or the buildup of calcium deposits inside the pipes.

How much does it cost to fix a hissing toilet?

How much does it cost to fix a toilet making a hissing sound? If your toilet is hissing because of a faulty chain, dirty or cracked flap valve or seal, or a dirty or clogged fill valve, the DIY fixes are relatively low-cost, and range from $0 to 30.

How can I get my toilet to stop making noise?

Checking the condition and position of the toilet valves should be your first step. If the valves are worn or brittle, replacing them should resolve your toilet noise problem. If it doesn't, call a plumbing professional.

Why is my toilet bubbling randomly?

If the drain is blocked, the water cannot flow freely through the pipes, and it may start to back up. As the water backs up, it may cause air bubbles to form in the toilet bowl. These air bubbles can then cause the toilet to bubble as they rise to the surface.

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 get rid of negative air pressure in my house?

The best way to get rid of negative house pressure is by making the home less airtight, and the easiest way to do so is by opening a window near the fireplace. While this is an effective method for preventing many of the performance problems associated with negative pressure, it is not a permanent solution.

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