Why Is My Toilet Bubbling? Answers Inside
A bubbling toilet can be annoying, confusing, and downright gross. If your toilet is gurgling, making odd noises, or sending bubbles up when you flush, you likely have an underlying issue causing the problem.
We'll provide tips on how to diagnose the specific cause in your case and solutions to stop the bubbling for good.
Common Causes of a Bubbling Toilet
Most of the time, toilet bubbles are caused by one of these four common issues:
Clogged Drain
A partial or full clog in the toilet drain pipe prevents waste from properly flowing down the pipes. As new water enters the bowl, it has nowhere to go and starts backing up. This creates bubbly turbulence in the bowl.
Signs of a clogged drain include gurgling noises, slow flushing, and water that drains gradually after a flush. Low water level in the bowl between flushes may also indicate a clog.
Try using a plunger or closet auger first to clear any debris from the drain. For tougher clogs, you may need a professional drain snake to break up the blockage.
Blocked Vent Stack
Every drainage system has vent pipes that release sewer gases and regulate air pressure in the system. If the main vent stack on your roof becomes clogged, it can't properly vent gases.
Symptoms of a blocked vent stack include sewer smells in the bathroom, gurgling noises from drains, and bubbles in the toilet after flushing. These occur because of negative air pressure in the pipes.
The vent stack is usually clogged with debris at its roof opening. A professional plumber can safely clear the blockage. Rooftop access is needed.
Main Sewer Line Clog
The main sewer line is the large pipe into which all your home's drain pipes connect. If it becomes blocked due to tree roots, grease buildup, or other debris, bubbles can form in the toilet.
Main sewer clogs reveal themselves when multiple drains are affected. You'll notice bubbling and gurgling from the toilet when using other water sources like showering or running the washing machine.
Main sewer lines require professional drain cleaning equipment like hydrojetting. Attempting to clear this on your own can easily worsen the clog.
Unlevel Toilet
If the base of your toilet is not evenly supported, it can rock and wobble. This prevents a proper seal and water flow when flushing.
Check if your toilet rocks when you wiggle it. The movement indicates it is unlevel. Bubbling, gurgling noises, and an ineffective flush also signal a problem.
Re-leveling the toilet or replacing the wax seal ring beneath it can typically resolve this cheap fix. Just be sure to stop wobbling at the base.
Uncommon Causes of a Bubbling Toilet
In some cases, bubbling toilets stem from more obscure issues:
High Water Table
Homes with high water tables are prone to drainage challenges. When the water table rises, elevated groundwater bears down on pipes. This stresses the pipes and causes occasional bubbling and gurgling.
You'll notice the problem worsens during the rainy season or in wetter weather. Unfortunately, little can be done beyond ensuring drainage pipes are maintained.
Flush Valve Problems
The flush valve assembly controls the water flow into the toilet bowl. If parts like the flapper or float get worn out or sediment builds up on the valve seat, it affects flushing.
Signs of a faulty flush valve include weak or short flushes, running water, and dripping. Bubbling may occur from improper valve operation.
Replacing specific valve parts like the flapper can often resolve flush valve issues and stop bubbling.
Water Treatment Chemicals
Some municipalities add chemicals like chlorine during water treatment. Trace amounts sometimes remain, even after going through the purification process.
These chemicals can generate bubbles when introduced in toilet bowls and drainage pipes. But this is usually only a temporary issue that resolves as the residual chemicals eventually dissipate.
If it persists, contacting your local water company may help identify if treatment chemicals are the cause.
High-Efficiency Toilets
High-efficiency toilets use up to 20% less water per flush. But their redesigned flush mechanisms are also more prone to developing air bubbles.
Adjustment of the flapper, fill valves, overflow tube, and tank water level may help reduce bubbling. Or the toilet may need professional recalibration to function properly.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While minor toilet gurgles can often be fixed with some DIY troubleshooting, certain circumstances warrant a professional plumber's expertise:
- Main sewer line appears clogged based on multiple drainage fixture issues
- Vent stack cannot be accessed or safely cleared
- Toilet bubbles even after trying fixes like plunging, snaking, and cleaning
- Cause of bubbling is unknown after troubleshooting
A licensed plumber has the skills and equipment to fully diagnose the problem and rectify it properly. The cost of a plumbing service call is often worth it to resolve stubborn toilet troubles.
If your toilet noises sound like a percolating coffee pot, rest assured--the problem likely stems from one of these common issues. Start with DIY methods like plunging, cleaning, or inspecting the toilet base. But for persistent bubbling or complex causes, turn to a professional plumber.