If you’ve ever noticed your toilet bubbling when the shower is running, you’re not alone. This is a widespread issue that has a number of potential causes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of toilet bubbling and how to fix them.
First, it’s important to understand how a toilet works. When you flush the toilet, water flows from the tank into the bowl, where it carries waste down the drain. The waste then travels through the sewer line to the sewer main.
If there is a blockage in the sewer line, it can cause water to back up into the toilet bowl. This can cause the toilet to bubble and overflow.
Another common cause of toilet bubbling is a clogged vent stack. The vent stack is a pipe that runs from the roof of your home to the sewer line. It allows air to flow in and out of the sewer system, which helps to prevent clogs and backups.
If the vent stack is blocked, it can create a vacuum in the sewer line. This vacuum can pull water back up through the toilet bowl, causing it to bubble.
If you’re experiencing toilet bubbling, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, try plunging the toilet. If plunging the toilet doesn’t work, you may need to use a drain snake to clear the clog.
If you’re still having problems, you may need to call a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the most common causes of toilet bubbling and how to fix them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent toilet bubbling from happening in the first place.
Why Is My Toilet Bubbling When the Shower Is Running?
There are two main reasons why your toilet might be bubbling when the shower is running:
- Clogged drain pipe: This is the most common reason for toilet bubbling. When the shower drain is clogged, water and air can’t flow through properly. This causes pressure to build up in the pipes, which can force air back up through the toilet.
- Blocked vent stack: The vent stack is a pipe that runs from the roof to the sewer line. It allows air to flow in and out of the sewer system, which helps to prevent clogs and backups. If the vent stack is blocked, it can create a vacuum in the sewer line, which can also cause toilets to bubble.
What are the Different Types of Toilet Bubbling?
There are two main types of toilet bubbling:
- Constant bubbling: This is when your toilet is bubbling all the time, even when you’re not using it. This is usually a sign of a serious problem, such as a clogged mainline or a blocked vent stack.
- Intermittent bubbling: This is when your toilet bubbles only occasionally, such as when you flush it or when you’re running the shower. This is usually a sign of a less serious problem, such as a clogged toilet or a partially clogged drain pipe.
What are the Other Causes of Toilet Bubbling?
In addition to clogged pipes and vent stacks, there are a few other things that can cause toilet bubbling:
- Water pressure problems: If your water pressure is too high or too low, it can cause your toilet to bubble.
- Septic tank problems: If your septic tank is full or overflowing, it can cause your toilet to bubble.
- Tree roots in the sewer line: Tree roots can grow into the sewer line and cause clogs, which can lead to toilet bubbling.
How Can I Fix a Toilet Bubbling Problem?
The best way to fix a toilet bubbling problem is to identify and fix the underlying cause. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
If a clogged toilet is the problem, you can try plunging the toilet or using a drain snake to clear the clog. You will need to call a plumber to clear the obstruction if it is a clogged drain pipe or vent stack.
If low water pressure is the cause of the issue, you might need to adjust your home’s water pressure regulator. You will need to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned if septic tank issues are the cause of the issue. You must contact a plumber to remove the tree roots if they are to blame for the issue in the sewer line.
How Can I Prevent My Toilet From Bubbling?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from bubbling:
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet.
- Use a toilet plunger regularly to clear any minor clogs.
- Have your plumbing system inspected and cleaned by a professional plumber on a regular basis.
If you notice any signs of toilet bubbling, such as constant bubbling or intermittent bubbling, it’s important to address the problem immediately. This will help prevent the problem from getting worse and causing more damage to your plumbing system.
How Do I Fix a Clogged Drain Pipe?
There are a few different ways to fix a clogged drain pipe. You can try plunging the toilet, using a drain snake, or using a chemical drain cleaner.
To plunge the toilet:
- Fill the toilet bowl with water until it’s about an inch above the overflow rim.
- Place the plunger over the hole in the toilet bowl and make sure it creates a good seal.
- Push and pull the plunger vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the plunger and see if the clog has been cleared. If not, repeat steps 2-4.
Using a drain snake:
- Insert the end of the drain snake into the toilet bowl and push it down the drain.
- Crank the handle of the drain snake to feed it into the pipe.
- When you feel resistance, crank the handle in the opposite direction to break up the clog.
- Continue cranking the handle in both directions until the clog is cleared.
To use a chemical drain cleaner:
- Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- Pour the chemical drain cleaner down the toilet bowl.
- Wait for the amount of time specified on the product label.
- Flush the toilet to clear the clog.
Related: How to Reduce Your Sewer Bill: Detailed Tips
How Do I Fix a Blocked Vent Stack?
A professional plumber should handle the more difficult task of clearing a blocked vent stack. However, there are a few things you can do to check for a blocked vent stack:
- Go outside and look at the vent stack. If there is any debris or snow blocking the opening, remove it.
- If you can’t see the vent stack, you can try pouring a bucket of water down the toilet bowl. If the water doesn’t flow freely, it could be a sign of a blocked vent stack.
If you suspect that your vent stack is blocked, call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
What Other Things Can I Do To Prevent My Toilet From Bubbling?
There are a few other things you can do to prevent your toilet from bubbling:
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes.
- Use a toilet plunger regularly to clear any minor clogs.
- Have your plumbing system inspected and cleaned by a professional plumber on a regular basis.
By following these tips, you can help keep your toilet and plumbing systems in good working order.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing toilet bubbling, it’s important to identify and fix the underlying cause as soon as possible. This will help prevent the problem from getting worse and causing more damage to your plumbing system.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem or if you’re unable to fix it yourself, it’s always best to call a professional plumber. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
Related Articles
- WHY IS MY TOILET BUBBLING, AND WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?
- TOILET DRAIN CLEANER: Best Toilet Drain Cleaners In 2023
- How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Toilet
- TOILET NOT FILLING UP: Causes and How To Fix It.
- DRAIN TILE INSTALLATION: How To Install Drain Tiles
References
