Toilets aren’t constructed to be noisy, but nearly everyone will run into a talking toilet at some point. Bubbling might also follow a gurgling toilet. Unfortunately, a bubbling toilet causes homeowners anxiety because it’s often hard to identify the exact problem. Like humans, plumbing systems have symptoms when they’re sick. If your toilet is bubbling, there’s an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Let’s discuss what causes toilet bubbling, how to tackle the problem at home, and when to call a Minneapolis plumber.
Why is your toilet bubbling?
Toilet bubbles indicate several things, so getting to the bottom of the issue is essential. Here are some reasons why your toilet is bubbling, with their solutions ranging from a quick fix to calling the plumbers.
- The toilet is clogged. A blockage in the pipes is a common reason for toilet bubbling. When something gets lodged in the plumbing system, it can cause air pockets, resulting in a noisy toilet. Thankfully, this problem has the easiest solution.
- Excess air is making its way into the toilet tank. Several minor issues in the toilet tank can cause excess air or water to fill the pipes when the toilet is flushed. For example, if the flapper (the rubber part that seals over the water exit way) is broken, the seal can break and allow water and air to seep through slight openings. These cases require a keen eye or plumber to notice the problem spot.
- The main drain line is clogged. The main drain line is the plumbing line in your walls and floors, leading to the underground sewer system. This can be a tougher-to-reach spot that requires additional assistance from a licensed plumber.
- The vent stack is blocked. The vent stack is a drain line that stretches from your home plumbing system to your roof to maintain the pressure in your system. If this line is blocked by debris like leaves or small animals, it can slow drain time and disrupt the plumbing system’s air pressure.
- The main sewer line is clogged. When the main sewer line is clogged, you’ll likely see more than just a bubbling toilet. This extensive piping system that brings wastewater to the sewer is connected to every plumbing system in your home. So to prevent flooding and more trouble, calling an emergency plumber to your home is essential.
Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running?
If running one system affects another, you probably have a wet venting system. In this system, your drain line and vent stack are shared. So, for example, if taking a shower triggers gurgling or bubbling in your toilet, air is being forced to move up or down within the system. So while your toilet is bubbling, it doesn’t always mean the problem is with the toilet itself.
How to fix a bubbling toilet.
Typically, fixing a gurgling toilet is easy enough. The first thing to fix a bubbling toilet should be to use a plunger to remove any existing clogs. A plunger can usually do the trick by fixing the airflow in the pipes. To effectively dislodge the clog, create a seal around the hole with the plunger head. Then, press and release the plunger 10 to 20 times while maintaining the seal. Hopefully, the suction will loosen the clog and allow water to flow again.
How to avoid clogged lines in the future.
A bubbling toilet can be caused by a few common household mistakes, so becoming familiar with some plumbing best practices can reduce the chances of a clogged system. Here are three things that will prevent clogged lines in the future:
- Never flush unflushable items, including “flushable” wipes. Everyday bathroom items such as paper towels, hygiene products, diapers, and even wet wipes should be tossed in the trash rather than the toilet. A common misconception is that paper products are safe to pass through the plumbing system, but this isn’t the case. Even wipes labeled as “flushable” do not break down effortlessly like toilet paper, so avoid flushing them at all costs.
- Don’t pour grease down the drain. As we mentioned, a problem with one plumbing line can affect other connected plumbing installations. So if there’s a clog in the kitchen sink, you might have a bubbling toilet. Grease is an infamous plumbing line clogger that starts in the kitchen but can back up your whole sewage system. Hot grease cools and hardens in the pipes, causing a slow but significant buildup of fat that halts water movement. Instead, let cooking grease cool on the counter and scoop it directly into the trash.
- Regularly clean your plumbing system. There’s no need to bust out harsh chemicals to maintain clean pipes! By keeping up with a routine system flush, you’re far more likely to avoid big clogs. By flushing your sinks, toilets, and showers with a 2:1 mixture of hot water and baking soda, you actively prevent future buildups of scum.
When should I call a plumber for help?
If plunging doesn’t help relieve your toilet of bubbling, there may be a more serious plumbing problem at hand. Bubbling or gurgling can indicate that a plumber needs to examine parts of the plumbing system that are hard to reach within the home walls and floors. In situations like a clogged main drain line or sewer line, a professional plumber must handle the job.
Even though a bubbling toilet isn’t always a cause for concern, involving a plumber is never a bad idea. Letting a trained technician assess, diagnose, and fix the problem is a weight off your shoulders as a homeowner. In addition, consulting a plumber lets you know your home and plumbing system are safe.
Fix bubbling toilets with Minneapolis plumbing repair services.
At Mike’s Custom Mechanical, we’re here to relieve Twin Cities homeowners from the anxiety and stress of plumbing problems with speedy and painless solutions. Call us at (763) 568-7148 or contact us here to learn more about how our licensed Minneapolis plumbers can help today.
