Causes for a Gurgling Toilet and How to Fix It

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We all know what our toilet should sound like; that’s we hear an unusual sound, such as a gurgling sound, it can be safely assumed that something is wrong. While gurgling toilets are not out of the ordinary, it is not an issue that should be put off for too long. If left unattended, a gurgling toilet can result in long-term damage to your home. Your plumbing system can be greatly affected and even display unusual signs of damage, such as water backup.

The best way to handle a gurgling toilet is to address the issue before it gets worse, preferably with the assistance of full-service plumbing professionals such as the experts at RP Services. Before calling your plumber, here are some signs that your gurgling toilet may need to be repaired.

Why Does a Toilet Gurgle?

A gurgling or bubbling sound from your toilet usually signifies a blockage in your sewage system. The air pressure in your pipes must be at a particular level in order for water and waste to properly pass through your plumbing system. Backup occurs when negative pressure leads to air escaping from your system, which is heard by gurgling or bubbling noises. Common places where blockages could occur include:

  • Toilet – Floating objects in your toilet usually mean that there is a blockage in your toilet.
  • Toilet Drain – Your toilet drain gets clogged when you flush items that shouldn’t be flushed.
  • Main Sewer Drain – This drain is connected to all of your home’s drains; if you’re experiencing blockages, your main sewer drain could be the source. Blockages in your main sewer drain can potentially affect all of your home’s plumbing fixtures.
  • Vent Stack –  Not all blockages are found in your drains. A clogged vent stack on your roof can cause a negative flow of air pressure, which trickles down to your toilet.

DIY Gurgling Toilet Repairs

Now that you know the causes of a gurgling toilet, here are some steps you can take to fix your toilet before the need for emergency plumbing arises.

  • Plunging – Sometimes, plunging your toilet is the easiest way to make blockages arise on your toilet’s surface. In order to accomplish this, make sure that your drains are sealed in order for the air to make its way through your toilet and push up any blockages.
  • Plumbing Snake – If nothing comes up to your toilet, reaching in with a plumbing snake is your next best option. A common household plumbing snake can reach up to 15 feet; if you find that you need more length, most hardware stores will rent a motorized snake that can reach up to 100 feet.
  • Speaking with Neighbors – Your toilet’s issue may not be limited to your home. Speak with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing similar problems. If your neighbors are also dealing with gurgling toilets, this may be the result of a clogged sewer main. At that point, it would be the responsibility of your city’s water and power department to fix it.

When Should You Contact the Experts?

If you’ve tried all of the above options with no results, it may be time to call in the professionals. An experienced full-service plumber should be able to assess your blockage with advanced technology and give you a detailed report of what needs to be done. Professional plumbing experts can be found at RP Services, where we specialize in emergency plumbing, including urgent toilet drain repair.

If you need emergency plumbing services, look no further than the experienced plumbers at RP Services. Our team of experienced, licensed plumbers will gladly come to your home and address your plumbing needs, all with the signature white-glove approach we have been recognized for over 30 years. Call us today at (310) 734-9852 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment. At RP Services, effective plumbing repairs and maintenances are always a call or a click away.