Why Is My Toilet Bubbling? Should I Call A Plumber?
Have you ever heard gurgling in your toilet?
Have you noticed air bubbles coming up from the bowl?
If so, you may be wondering if you have a blocked toilet and if it requires a plumber.
The Blocked Drain Guys have dealt with all toilet issues for 30 years. We have seen everything, and we mean EVERYTHING, when it comes to toilets!
Understanding why your toilet is bubbling and when it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Bubbling toilets can be a sign of underlying plumbing issues that should be addressed as soon as possible for your family’s and home’s safety.
With the correct information, you can determine if it is a once-off problem that you can fix, if it will resolve on its own or when it’s time to call a plumber.
Common Causes Of Toilet Bubbling
If your toilet is bubbling, it could be an indicator that there’s a plumbing issue at hand. Knowing what causes this bubbling can help determine if you need to call a plumber or if you can handle it on your own.
The most common cause of toilet bubbling is a blocked drain in the system. Blocked drains in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire can happen for several reasons, including tree roots growing into pipes, foreign objects like toys or toilet wipes blocking the flow of water and even excessive grease buildup.
In some cases, blocked toilets may also be caused by clogs due to mineral and soil deposits lining the pipes and restricting the diameter of the pipe, and then there is the chance that the pipe is damaged and needs to be repaired.
Regardless of the cause, these blockages create pressure buildup, resulting in bubbles coming up from your toilet’s drain.
If left unchecked, this can lead to serious plumbing issues, such as toilet overflows and backups that require professional attention.
If your toilet is constantly bubbling or gurgling, it’s best to get it looked at by a qualified plumbing expert before any potential problems become too severe.
Taking care of minor issues now can save you from costly repairs and a disgusting cleanup!
How To Troubleshoot A Bubbling Toilet
If your toilet is bubbling or gurgling, it’s essential to take steps to troubleshoot the issue.
Here are four steps to help you get started:
Check for blockages: Check for any blockages in the pipes leading into or out of the toilet, such as a clogged drain or an object accidentally placed in the toilet and going down the drain.
Clogs can be caused by too much toilet paper or foreign objects being flushed down the drain.
To check for clogs, remove the lid of your toilet tank and inspect the inside for any debris blocking the pipes. Use a plunger or drain snake to clear out the obstruction if you find any.
If you have young children, is there a possibility something has been flushed that shouldn’t have been?
Inspect flush valves: Check flush valves: Examine them to confirm they are not worn out or damaged. If they are, replace them with new ones.
The flush valve is a mechanism that controls the flow of water from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the flush valve opens to allow the water to flow rapidly from the tank into the bowl, creating a siphoning action that effectively empties the bowl.
After the toilet is flushed, the flush valve closes to stop water flow into the bowl and allow the tank to refill.
The flush valve is typically located at the bottom centre of the toilet tank and is operated by a flush lever or button.
Test refill valve– Verify the valve: Run water through the refill valve and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, replace the refill valve with a new one.
A refill valve, also known as a fill valve or ballcock is a component of the toilet’s flushing system that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank after it has been flushed. The refill valve is usually located at the bottom of the toilet tank and is responsible for refilling the tank with water to a predetermined level.
Once the toilet has been flushed, the refill valve opens to allow water to enter the tank, and when the water reaches the correct level, the valve shuts off to prevent any further water flow. A malfunctioning refill valve can cause issues such as a constantly running toilet, inadequate flushing, or a slow-filling tank.
Check For an Airlock: Airlocks occur when there is a buildup of air pressure in your pipes that prevents water from flowing correctly.
To fix this issue, simply turn off all taps and flush all toilets in the house to release trapped air from the pipes. If this doesn’t work, call a professional plumber who can diagnose and repair any underlying plumbing problems.
Troubleshooting your bubbling toilet may sound intimidating, but checking these four areas will help when calling a plumber.
They will have a clearer idea of what is happening before they arrive Or they maybe able to give you phone advice to rectify the problem.
It’s always best practice to contact a licensed plumber if you’re unsure about anything related to plumbing repairs or maintenance to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
Signs You Need A Plumber
A bubbling sound from your toilet typically indicates a blocked drainage pipe or an obstruction in the plumbing system.
Other signs that it may be time for a professional plumber include slow-draining water in the sink or bathtub, water backing up into the shower or tub, or odours coming from the drains.
If any of these issues occur, you should feel free to contact a qualified plumber immediately.
A plumbing expert can use equipment like CCTV camera inspections and pinpoint the cause of your bubbling toilet and provide solutions to remedy any clogs or blockages in your pipes.
Potential issues need to be addressed quickly and efficiently before they become more costly problems down the line.
Don’t wait too long – if you notice any signs of trouble with your plumbing system, call a plumber immediately!
5 Tips For Preventing Your Toilet Needing A Plumber
If you want to avoid having to call in a plumber due to a blockage, there are some steps you can take to prevent the problem before it starts.
- Be mindful of what you flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing other items like wipes, sanitary products, or cotton balls, as they can clog the toilet and cause a blockage.
- Install a toilet with a large trapway: The trapway is the passage that leads waste from the bowl to the sewer line. Toilets with larger trapways are less likely to clog, so consider upgrading to a toilet with a larger trapway if you’re experiencing frequent blockages.
- Use a plunger: Keep a plunger on hand and use it immediately if you notice the toilet is not flushing correctly. Plunging can help clear small blockages before they become more severe.
- Regularly clean your toilet: Use a toilet brush and cleaner to clean your toilet regularly. This can help prevent buildup and keep your toilet flushing smoothly.
- Schedule regular plumbing maintenance: Have a licensed plumber inspect your toilet and plumbing system regularly. They can identify potential problems and fix them before they become severe blockages.
By following these tips and staying proactive about maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of ever dealing with a bubbling toilet that is facing a blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a toilet that is bubbling or may have a blockage?
While bubbles can be a sign of an issue with your plumbing, they may not necessarily mean you need to call a plumber immediately.
It’s important to assess the situation and determine if further action is necessary.
If there is a strange odor or loud gurgling sound coming from your toilet when it bubbles, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible.
On the other hand, if the bubbling is minimal and goes away after flushing, then you may not need to worry about calling a plumber.
How Much Does It Cost To Call A Plumber?
The average cost to call a plumber can vary widely, depending on the job.
The Blocked Drain Guys start at $79 to unblock a toilet.
However, if your toilet is bubbling, it’s best to have a plumbing expert come take a look as soon as possible.
This could indicate a larger issue that requires immediate attention and could potentially save you money in the long run.
So don’t hesitate to call a qualified professional if your toilet is bubbling—it could end up being well worth the cost!
How Long Does It Take For A Plumber To Repair A Bubbling Toilet?
A bubbling toilet can be a sign of a bigger problem, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
On average, it takes a plumber around an hour to diagnose and repair the issue.
This time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the issue, but you can generally expect your plumber to have the job done quickly and efficiently.
As always, it is important to make sure that you are working with a licensed and experienced plumber who will take the time to properly diagnose and assess the situation before making any repairs.
Are There Any Special Cleaning Products I Should Use For A Bubbling Toilet?
It’s important to take the right steps to ensure the problem is solved so, you must use special cleaning products specifically designed for this situation. These products are formulated to remove any buildup that can be causing your plumbing system to bubble and make that disturbing sound.
For optimal results, these products should be used every few months to keep your plumbing running as smoothly as possible.
Can I Temporarily Fix A Bubbling Toilet Without Calling A Plumber?
Yes, you can temporarily fix a bubbling toilet without having to call a plumber.
The first thing to do is to check the toilet for blockages or clogs. If there are any, remove them with a plunger and make sure that the water level in the bowl isn’t too high.
Additionally, you may want to check the flapper valve and flush handle assembly to ensure they’re working properly.
If these fixes don’t work, then it’s probably time to call in a professional plumber.
Bubble Bubble Toil And Trouble
The bubbling of your toilet is like a warning sign, telling you to call a professional. A plumber can quickly identify the cause and provide you with a solution.
Sure, there are products on the market that can temporarily stop the bubbling, but without proper diagnosis and repair, you could be in for more expensive repairs down the road.
Our advice? Listen to the bubbling of your toilet and take action now.
Call a professional who can diagnose and repair the problem quickly – that way, you’re investing in peace of mind for yourself and your family.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – get it fixed now!
