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5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Is Bubbling

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Late one night, you hear a bizarre gurgling noise coming from the bathroom. Curious about what’s making that racket, you trace the sound to your toilet. As you stare at the rippling water inside the bowl, you wonder, “Why is my toilet bubbling? Do I need to call a plumber?”

Below, learn the most common reasons for a bubbling toilet, then contact us for plumbing services in Medinah, IL.

Why Is My Toilet Bubbling? Top Toilet Bubbling Causes

There are many reasons a toilet might bubble, but they all have one main cause: There’s something amiss with the air pressure in your plumbing system. When air becomes trapped inside your system, it can cause strange noises like the bubbling you hear.

Here are the top causes of bubbling toilets and how to fix them.

1. You Have a Drain Line Blockage

So, why is my toilet bubbling? If your toilet gurgles every time you flush it or run the shower, there’s a good chance you have a clog somewhere in your pipes. That clog could result from hair, too much toilet paper, baby wipes, or foreign objects.

When you suspect a clog, the first thing to try is a plunger. Make sure you have at least a little water in the bowl so you can get a good seal, then press the plunger firmly over the toilet drain and plunge vigorously for a few minutes.

If this doesn’t work, try running a snake down the drain to catch the clog. Should that fail, call our plumbers for help.

2. Plumbing Vent Problems

Have you ever wondered why that pipe is sticking out of your roof? That’s the vent stack, which works to maintain the proper pressure in your plumbing line. Vent stacks sometimes come with mesh covers that keep debris from getting inside. If yours doesn’t have one, it can fill up with twigs, leaves, dirt, and other debris.

When that happens, it alters the air pressure inside your plumbing system, which can cause the toilet to bubble. To fix the issue, you’ll have to get on the roof to gain access to the vent stack. Try removing the blockage by hand or with a wire hanger. Running water from a garden hose through the vent stack can dislodge clogs, too.

If you’re not comfortable climbing on the roof, call us for help.

3. The Flapper Is Defective

“Why is my toilet bubbling?” Your toilet’s flapper might be to blame.

Take a peek inside your toilet tank, and you’ll see what looks like a small rubber lid. That’s the flapper, and its job is to flush and refill the tank with water. If the flapper becomes damaged or worn, you’ll hear occasional gurgling noises coming from the toilet.

Replacing the flapper with a new one will stop the bubbling sound. Most people find this an easy DIY task, but if you’d rather have a plumber handle it, call us.

4. Your Septic Tank Is Full

Does your Medinah home have a septic tank? If so, when was the last time you had it pumped? If you can’t remember, the septic tank could be the culprit behind your bubbling toilet.

The bubbling noise means your tank has filled with waste and can’t hold more. You’ll need to hire a plumber for septic tank pumping right away.

5. Sewer Line Issues

If you have multiple toilets gurgling and water backing up in drains throughout your house, you’ve likely got a blockage somewhere in your main sewer line. Unfortunately, plunging and snaking won’t do anything to fix the issue. You’ll need to call a plumber with the proper equipment to reach the clog.

Before you call, though, ask your neighbors if they also have plumbing issues such as toilet drain symptoms. If they say yes, there’s a problem with the line serving your neighborhood. Call your city’s water department to have it fixed.

Still Wondering “Why Is My Toilet Bubbling?” Call Our Pros for Help With Residential Plumbing Issues

If you’re still wondering, “Why is my toilet bubbling?” reach out to our expert plumbers at Stellar Plumbing, Drains and Water Heaters. We’re pros at troubleshooting toilet problems and have the expertise to silence your noisy toilet fast.

Why choose us for plumbing services? Our family-owned company offers same-day service, fair prices, and honest, friendly technicians. Check out some of our great reviews to see why your neighbors in Medinah come to us for all things plumbing.

Call Now (773) 908-9375