Why does my toilet make a gurgling noise?

Our toilets are some of the most important parts of our homes. They are a necessary part of our everyday lives that helps keep us sanitary and provides comfort. When they malfunction, you could be dealing with a serious problem that may take our toilet privileges away. One common plumbing issue that you might be running into is a gurgling toilet which can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Below you'll find some explanations for your toilet making gurgling sounds and steps you can take to fix it. You can trust Plumb Works for all your Atlanta plumbing needs.

Common Causes of a Gurgling Toilet:

Drain Blockage

A clear drain allows waste to move freely through the system. Sometimes, debris builds up in our pipes like grease, soap scum, and hair. When our drains get blocked, it's hard for water to continuously flow through the pipes. All the pipes in your home are linked so even if the blockage isn’t in the toilet, you still may hear gurgling sounds caused by another pipe there.

Clogged Toilet

When substances get caught in our toilets, a blockage is usually the result. Minor ones can usually be taken care of by the plunger. However, some toilet clogs can be more stubborn. The toilet struggling to transfer waste with a blockage may be the reason why you hear those gurgling sounds. 

A Blocked Vent Stack

When we flush our toilet, we have a vent on our roof that allows air to pass through freely. The airflow helps waste get down pipes and prevents a vacuum seal in pipes. Without these vents, the system doesn't work properly. Thes vents can get blocked by leaves or other debris preventing pipes from functioning as well as they should and possibly causing a gurgling noise.

Main Sewer Line Blockage

As we dispose of our materials through our plumbing system, it moves through our sewer line to the city's sewer system or to our septic tank. But sometimes these main sewer lines can get blocked causing problems further down the line. These issues and blockages can still cause a gurgling sound when flushing toilet.

Air in Water Lines

Since we use our plumbing system on a daily basis, many things can get trapped down in the pipes throughout their use. One thing, just like waste or objects that become trapped, could be air in our water lines. They can lower water pressure and stop water flow. When this happens, you might hear a large banging sound or a gurgle.

Another Leak in the Home

When it comes to plumbing equipment in our homes, every piece works together. When one component doesn't work correctly, it can mess up your whole system. If you have another leak somewhere inside your home, that could be the culprit of the gurgling sound. Make sure to have someone take care of it fast. The leak can become much bigger over time.

Sediment Backup

When sediment starts to backup, it could be the cause of your toilet making gurgling noise. If you notice that the water backing up is dirty, it could be coming from the sewer line instead of your home's plumbing system, which is a more serious issue.

How to Fix a Gurgling Sound From Toilet

Before calling the professionals, you may want to try and fix your own gurgling toilet in case it is only a minor issue. With all the problems it could be, you’ll need to try the basics first. See if any of these solutions provide relief to your problem before scheduling a visit from the plumber. They may also give you a clue as to what’s happening with your plumbing and the results will  help the plumber if they do come over.

Unclog Pipes

Unclogged pipes can force air to travel to other fixtures instead such as your toilet. The air is what creates these gurgling sounds. Air bubbles could also be trapped in your pipes causing the same noises. Try using the plunger first on your toilet or bathtub. If that doesn’t help, drain snakes can be purchased to try to clean out the sink and bathtub. If none of these solutions work, then the problem could be unrelated to clogged drains or a deeper clog in pipes may be causing trouble.

Check Vent Stack

The vent stack is that vent on top of your house that allows airflow into the pipes. Safely climb up onto your roof and try clearing any leaves and debris out of it. That should take care of the vent shack.

Ask A Neighbor

If your neighbor is experiencing the same problem, then it could be affecting the entire neighborhood through connecting pipes that lead to the main city system. You don’t need to worry about the problem in that case but should let someone know.

Switch To Smart Toilets

Having new technology may be just the change you need in your bathroom. Smart toilets can upgrade your entire bathroom experience with added convenience and comfort. They allow for a customized and enjoyable experience with loads of added features on top of classic toilet and bidet roles. Some have voice commands, bluetooth, air-dryers, deodorizers, and more. These toilets are smart because they have computers built into them that allow them to perform unlike other toilets.

If you are interested in the wonderful benefits and comfort that a smart toilet can provide, just pick one out. Plumb Works has the smart toilet installation services available to get it hooked up in your home for a technologically advanced bathroom. Smart toilets can be yours with the help of up to date plumbing experts.

Need to fix a gurgling toilet fast? Call Plumb Works! 

If you're constantly dealing with a gurgling toilet, give Plumb Works a call today! We have the Atlanta plumbers you can trust. We've become an established leader in the area and customer service is our top priority. Our scheduled inspections are guaranteed to find the source of your gurgling toilet. From plumbing checkups to a toilet replacement, call us today for plumbers you can depend on!