Plumbing FAQs About Toilet Troubles

If there is one fixture in a home that we simply don't want to live without, it's the toilet. Life can turn upside down if the toilet isn't working right, especially if it's the only one in the house.

As professional plumbers, we are asked a lot of questions about toilet problems and what could be causing them. Of course, most plumbing issues need to be diagnosed professionally, but there are some common things to look for. If you are having toilet troubles, here are some tips that may help to diagnose the issue so you know what needs to be fixed.

Why Does My Toilet Gurgle?

Gurgling sounds from the toilet can be a little alarming. You expect the water to come back up and flood the house the minute you leave the room. Since a functioning toilet is your highest priority, you don't want to ignore a gurgling toilet problem. That gurgling sound is caused by air being forced through the water. Here's what could be going on.

Clogged sewer line - A sewer line clog can cause bubbles or gurgling when the toilet flushes. Try using a plunger to suction the clog out. If this doesn't work, you will need to use a plumber's snake. Avoid using drain cleaner chemicals because they cause damage to your plumbing system.

Air in the water lines - The freshwater lines may have air in them. Test the faucet in the bathroom sink for spitting or spurting. To remove the air, turn off the water main to the house and turn on all the faucets in the house to let the existing water out. Turn the faucets off and then the water main back on, this should remove the air.

Clogged sewage vent stack - The toilet is vented through a vent stack that reaches upward through the roof. The vent stack could be blocked, causing the toilet to gurgle. A plumber's snake will need to be used to remove the stoppage. Access the vent from the top of your roof.

Sediments blocking the tank flapper - Inside the toilet tank, check the flapper that is located at the bottom, middle. The flapper should not be blocked by sediment buildup or any other object but should fit snugly on top of the gasket. Watch how it operates as you flush the tank. If there are sediments in the tank, clean them out. The flapper may just be malfunctioning.

If all else fails, call a local plumber to fix the problem.

Why Is My Toilet Constantly Backing Up?

One toilet clog is not that big of a deal. But when you always seem to have trouble with toilet clogs, it becomes a nightmare. Here's what could be going on.

Things are being flushed that shouldn't be - Watch what you and the family flush. Don't put tampons, paper towels, cotton swabs, condoms, diapers, baby wipes, or anything but toilet paper in the toilet.

There's a clog in the toilet trap - Toilets have an S-shaped trap to keep sewer gases from coming back up into your home. Water is supposed to sit in the trap to block the gases. Things get stuck in the trap, so try using a plumber to flush the debris down the drain. Some things get stuck in the trap, like toothbrushes, so you may keep having clog problems. The only way to get rid of those things is to remove the toilet from the floor and access the trap from the bottom.

Sewer line clogs - Tree roots, debris, hardened sediments, and other things can clog the sewer lines at a distance of many feet from the house. If there is a stubborn clog, it can cause toilet troubles over and over again. A local plumber who does hydro-jetting can clear any type of clog from the sewer lines pretty quickly and very effectively. Call out team at Aqueduct Services today!