Toilet Gurgling: How to Diagnose & Fix the Problem

If you’ve ever been startled by a peculiar gurgling sound emanating from your toilet, you’re not alone. This strange noise can be both baffling and worrisome, leaving you to wonder if there’s a major issue lurking within your plumbing system.

Fortunately, in most cases, the cause of a gurgling toilet is relatively simple and can be resolved without too much hassle — and in most cases without calling a plumber or handyman. In my experience of working in maintenance at a property housing over 250 toilets for the past 10 years, I have encountered this particular issue countless times.

Generally, a toilet will gurgle from a clogged or blocked vent pipe, a partial clog in the drain, low water level in the toilet bowl, or if there’s a faulty flapper in the toilet’s tank. These are common plumbing issues that can generally be addressed without consulting a professional.

If you suspect that your toilet’s gurgle is actually a phantom flush (toilet flushes on its own), then check out this article here on how to fix it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind the gurgling sound, provide step-by-step instructions for fixing the issue, and share valuable tips on how to prevent it from happening in the future.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the bottom of this plumbing mystery!

What Can Cause a Toilet to Gurgle?

1. Clogged or Blocked Vent Pipe: The vent pipe in your plumbing system helps equalize air pressure, allowing water to flow smoothly through the drains. If the vent pipe gets clogged or blocked, air can get trapped, causing that gurgling sound you hear.
2. Partial Clog in the Drain: If there’s a partial clog in your drain, air can get trapped, leading to gurgling noises. The clog might not be severe enough to stop the flow of water entirely, but it can still cause some strange sounds.
3. Low Water Level in the Toilet Bowl: Sometimes, the water level in your toilet bowl can drop, causing air to be drawn into the bowl when you flush. This can create a gurgling sound as the air gets sucked through the water.
4. Faulty Flapper: The flapper in your toilet is responsible for sealing the flush valve after each flush. If the flapper isn’t sealing correctly, it can allow air to enter the system, creating gurgling noises.

How to Fix a Gurgling Toilet

1. Clear the Vent Pipe: To fix a clogged or blocked vent pipe, you’ll need to locate it first. It’s usually on the roof of your house. Carefully climb up (with someone holding the ladder for safety) and use a flashlight to check for any obstructions. You can use a plumber’s snake or a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clear the blockage.
2. Remove the Partial Clog: For a partial clog in the drain, try using a plunger or a toilet auger to break up and remove the blockage. Be gentle, though, as using too much force can damage your toilet or pipes. If you notice any metal scratches on the porcelain afterward, check out my article here on how to remove metal scratches in a toilet in minutes.
3. Adjust the Water Level: If the water level in your toilet bowl is too low, you can adjust it by bending the float arm in your toilet tank (old school toilets) or by toggling the adjustment screw on newer models. If you have an old school toilet with a metal float arm, then gently bend the arm upward to raise the water level or downward to lower it. This should help eliminate the gurgling sound caused by air being drawn into the bowl.
4. Replace the Flapper: First, try cleaning the flapper of any mineral deposits from your water. You can do this by just rubbing your fingers on the underside of the flapper where it should create a seal with the valve below. However, if the flapper is faulty, it’s best to replace it. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, remove the old flapper, and install a new one. Make sure it’s the correct type and size for your toilet. This should stop the gurgling caused by air entering the system.

How to Prevent Toilet Gurgling in the Future

1. Regular Maintenance: To avoid toilet gurgling and other plumbing issues, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. This includes checking for leaks, cleaning the toilet bowl and tank, and inspecting the flapper and other components for wear and tear.
2. Keep Vent Pipes Clear: Make a habit of checking your vent pipes for obstructions, especially after storms or during autumn when leaves can easily block the pipe. Regularly clearing the vent pipe will prevent air pressure issues and gurgling sounds.
3. Be Mindful of What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing items like paper towels, sanitary products, or “flushable” wipes, as these can cause clogs in your drain and lead to gurgling noises. I’ve cleaned out lots of drain pipes with “flushable” wipes. If you have a single burr on the inside of your pipes, these things will catch on it and you’ll have backed up drains in no time.
4. Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual sounds or signs of a problem with your toilet, don’t wait for it to get worse. Address the issue promptly to prevent more significant plumbing problems and keep your toilet running smoothly.

Final Takeaways

A gurgling toilet can be caused by various issues, from clogged vent pipes to faulty flappers. Thankfully, fixing these problems is often a simple DIY task that doesn’t require calling in a plumber or trusted handyman. By keeping your plumbing system well-maintained and addressing issues as soon as they arise, you can prevent gurgling sounds and keep your toilet functioning at its best. Happy flushing!