Why is My Toilet Bubbling?

If you’re noticing that your toilet bubbles when flushed, it could indicate a larger problem. We at Denny Plumbing can explain what to do in case it happens again, and when to know if a professional plumber should be called.  

Clogged Drainpipe  

When you flush the toilet and the bubbling starts, it may be a sign that the drainpipe is clogged. Normally, the air flows openly through the lines and the wastes go freely out to the septic or city’s sewage line. When you flush, the waste goes out, but the clogged area creates a negative air pressure and when released it causes the waste to go back to the toilet bowl and the bubbling starts.  

Steps on how to unclog the toilet: 

Check if your neighbors are also experiencing the same issue.  

If you live in an area where there’s a community sewer line, it may be possible your neighbors are also experiencing it. At this point, you would have to call the municipal sewer authority to have it checked out and fixed.  

Seal off nearby drains and plunge the toilet 

You would have to cover the sinks, showers, and tubs in order to unclog the toilet. Having it sealed can create more pressure as you plunge in order to remove whatever is causing the clogged area. If you don’t do this, the pressure can cause it to escape, and the water may come out of the sink or shower. 

Once you seal off the draining areas and the toilet bowl is full of water, get your plunger and firmly pump 10-15 times. If you’re still hearing the bubbling noise, repeat it until it no longer bubbles. 

Do a snake drain 

If the plunger isn’t working, you may need to use a sewer snake. A sewer snake is a long cable with cutting edges that can reach areas you can’t reach. This can help cut and remove whatever is clogging the pipes.  

If the sewer snake isn’t working, you can get a toilet auger. This can reach deeper than a regular sewer snake. When you crank it, the cable works its way down and cuts whatever is blocking it. If it’s deeper, you may have to go where the sewer line exists and clean from there until the bubbling stops. 

Check the vent stack 

You can do this before or after you have snaked the pipes. Homes have a vent stack, the vent helps regulate the air to flow freely in order for the water and waste to go without trouble. You would have to get on the roof to check if anything is blocking the vent. If you aren’t comfortable, call a plumbing company and get it checked out. 

 Contact Denny Plumbing

If the bubbling is still occurring, you will need to call a plumbing company to inspect and do a toilet repair. Call Denny Plumbing to schedule your appointment today and have your toilet checked out and repaired!