Why is My Toilet Gurgling?

We are all familiar with how the toilet is supposed to work. You take care of your business, flush, and go on with your day. Simple enough. Sometimes, though, this simple task can turn into a headache. If you are hearing your toilet make gurgling sounds, then there may be problems brewing under the surface. Your friends at Mr. Rooter Plumbing have helped put together this short-read article to review this seemingly benign symptom. If you find that the problem calls for a qualified plumber, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing any time to get in touch with a live representative. We can provide a consultation, schedule a flexible appointment, or arrange an emergency dispatch.

What Causes A Toilet to Gurgle?

You know what a toilet flush is supposed to sound like. If you are hearing gurgling sounds from the toilet, then you are likely concerned – and rightfully so. A gurgling toilet generally means one thing: you have got a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. The negative air pressure, or suction, caused by this blockage is likely causing air to escape back up the toilet, causing bubbling water and gurgling noises.

The blockage can be anywhere in your plumbing system from the toilet to the sewer line. If you can catch the blockage in the toilet, then you are in luck. However, if the clog is somewhere deep in the sewer line, then you have more work to do. It is quite easy to determine, at least roughly, where the blockage is located though.

If the blockage is deep in the sewer line, then you will experience problems in many, if not all, of your plumbing fixtures. Test your sinks, bathtubs, and other toilets. If these are also gurgling, then you should focus your attention on the sewer line. If the symptoms are only coming from one toilet, then work on the individual toilet.

How to Approach A Clogged Toilet?

Toilet clogs have existed for as long as toilets have. So, people have come up with many ways to tackle this problem:

• Plunge Away: Grab your plunger and some elbow grease. Use a small bucket to remove excess water from the toilet bowl, slowly insert the plunger, fully covering the opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl and begin to plunge firmly with a straight up-and-down motion. If the water level begins to rise, then your work here is done.
• Drain Snake: Insert the drain snake into the trap way of the toilet bowl until you feel it push against the blockage. Gently push and twist in a circular motion to break the blockage apart and send the debris down the line.
• Soap and Water: Use a small bucket to scoop out as much water from the toilet bowl as possible. Lubricate the toilet bowl with dish soap and pour about a gallon of hot water into the bowl. Let it sit for 20 minutes before giving the toilet a flush.

Call for Help

Before you call Mr. Rooter Plumbing, ask your neighbors if they are also having the same problem. If they are, then there might be a problem in the sewer main, which the municipality should control. Otherwise, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a nearby plumber. We can arrange an urgent dispatch today.