Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running? If your toilet is making a gurgling sound after you take a shower, you have a blockage.
This is the more comprehensive answer The shower and the toilet are likely to have a drain line that is connected to a vent stack (this configuration is known as “wet venting and will be discussed in the future).
If the line or the stack is clogged or obstruction, the air will be being pushed up or down your toilet, causing the sound of gurgling you hear.
This article will discuss how to deal with the following issues:
- A sewer drain that is blocked
- Unblocking the vent stack
We’ll start by discussing wet venting in order to provide some context as to the reasons the toilet is running while you shower.
The Bubbling Toilet and Drain Back Up
When your bathroom is bubbling it’s being caused by an issue in your drain lines. This is a problem that needs to be addressed because it is often an ongoing issue that can lead to the total malfunction of your bathroom or even a backup in the sewer lines.
While there are some ways you can help you solve this problem but identifying the issue to fix it is generally best left to experts. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has seen every variation of the causes of a bubbling toilet and is aware of the best method to fix them all.
The experts have been through it. What’s happening is that there is an unclean drain line that backs up air or water into the toilet since there is no other place for it to go. The most common causes could be among the following
Venting causes clogs. Vents or vent stacks are pipes that extend through the drain lines and up to the roof. They are designed to let gasses from the sewer escape, and let air flow into the drain line to ensure that the flushing or draining of water won’t force the entire fluid out of the “P-trap” that is located on the opposite side of the drainage lines for the sink, tub, and toilet.
P-traps are constructed to contain the water that is in place, which serves as a barrier to stop smells and sewer gases from coming back into the pipes and contaminating the air inside the space.
Since the vent is straight and emerges through the roof it can be blocked by debris and leaves, insects, and even dead mice. Modern vents usually come with a cover on top, however, we’ve observed things getting in there and blocking the vent regardless.
If a vent becomes blocked, it blocks the flow of air. There are many vents. Each is located over crucial connections in drainage systems. For instance, a bathroom typically has a tub/shower toilet and sink that is connected to the common drain pipe, which will then flow into the drain pipe that is in. The vent stack would be placed on top of the drain line.
Drain obstructions. Somewhere in the bathroom drain line, either near the toilet or further down in the main sewer line is a blockage pushing negative air pressure back into the line. The first release point is through the toilet. The air or the backup water that is inside the bathroom will rise.
Plumbing that is not completed in accordance with the specifications. If this problem is happening in a newly built house or bathroom the possibility is that there is no vent or a poorly constructed vent (e.g. part of the vent is running in a horizontal direction) or any other improper installation procedures. Before doing anything else, have the plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber.
Wet Venting
Drains are typically vented in a separate manner in the event that they are located close enough (like the drains in your bathroom) typically, they’re vented via a pipe that acts as a drain for a different fixture.
In this photo, the sink, toilet, and bathtub drain into 1 mainline and then vent through one main vent.
If there’s a clog in this pipe (either inside the drain pipe or in the vent pipe) air will be forced out or sucked away into an existing installation (like in the bathroom) in the event that another fixture is being used (like for showers).
We’ll go over both in greater detail in the next section, beginning with the drain that is clogged.
Issue 1: A Clogged Sewer Drain
If the obstruction is located in the drainage system, then the sound could be the result of:
1. Force air out: As you turn the bathroom on, it runs through the pipe which pushes the air in the pipe to the outside. If there’s a blockage within your drain pipes, the air may get trapped. Without a way out it could be pulled up through another drain, for instance, your toilet.
2. Sucking air into If there is a blockage and the flow of liquid from the bath towards the drain could cause the impression of a vacuum. The vacuum can be so strong that it can force air into the toilet’s p trap and cause the sound of gurgling.
Although a toilet that is gurgling could be a mere inconvenience, it could result in more serious problems such as damaged pipes. The issue should be addressed at the earliest time possible.
How to clear your drains on your sewer
The process of unblocking your sewer drain or pipes is complex and can lead to worse blockages or even damage to your pipes if you do it in the wrong way. We suggest calling the services of a plumber to help unblock sewer pipes.
Issue 2: Blocking Vent Stack
As we have mentioned the bathroom fixtures you have are most likely to be connected to one vent stack. Vent stacks are put in the place to:
- Get rid of sewer gases and odors, and keep your home fresh and clean
- Introduce new air to your system in order to maintain the proper pressure in the atmosphere (which assists in allowing water to drain easily)
Although vent stacks do not transport any water, they’re a vital element in your system of plumbing. When you’re vent stacks are blocked the negative pressure could be created in the pipes, causing disruption to the water flow.
The blocked stack of your vent could also hold air inside your pipes. Instead of exiting through the vent air is forced out via different routes (like in your bathroom) and causes the sound of toilet gurgling you hear from a toilet bowl.
How do you unblock your vent stack?
To clear a blockage from the vent, you’ll be required to get safely on the roof. If you’re not capable of or uncertain of it, seek out a plumbing professional to assist you.
- Find your exhaust stack. The main vent stack should be located on the roof over your bathroom.
- Eliminate visible obstructions. There may be debris on the highest point on the stack of vents, such as leaves, trash, etc. You are able to easily take and dispose of the debris by using a plumbing auger, a long pole. However, if you suspect that the blockage has gotten deeper into the vent stack it is recommended to contact an experienced plumber to clear it.
Notice: You can cover the vent stack with a screen to avoid blockages in the future.
How To Stop Toilet Bubbles When Showering 3 Steps
Here are three ways that you can prevent bubbles in your bathroom while showering.
1. Use A Plunger
It’s time to pull up the plunger from the past. Keep in mind that plunging your toilet can be effective if the blockage is near the surface. In the event that your bathroom is bubbling due to an obstruction further down the line, then you may avoid this procedure.
After you’ve plunged your toilet, plunge into your shower drain system. If you still hear bubbling while you shower, continue the plunge or proceed onto the next stage.
2. Clean Your Vent Pipe
If the vent pipe you’re using doesn’t have a screen that can prevent blockages, debris can fall inside. If that’s the case you’ll have to climb the ladder as well as the hose. Contact a professional if aren’t sure about climbing onto your roof.
- Get up on the roof and locate the pipe hanging out.
- Bring a garden hose along with you and pour the water into the vent. (You require a second person to switch the water hose on).
- Be sure to listen to determine whether the water pushes the obstruction through the drain.
In the event that your garden hose won’t work, you can try using the sewer snake to clear out any blockages within the vent.
3. Clean Your Sewer Lines
If you notice that your drain line has become clogged and is making your toilet bubble it’s the right best option to take. If you contact an expert sewer repair service and they’ll most likely recommend hydro-jetting for cleaning the sewer line.
Hydro-jetting employs a self-propelled sprayer that can send up to 4000 PSI of water into your pipes for sewerage, cutting down the tree roots, sludge, and other things that are slowing your drains. The pipes can be accessed with the cleanout method or by taking them out from a toilet, making them not invasive. Hydro-jetting utilizes different nozzles for various obstructions. It’s the ideal solution for tough, deep obstructions.
Look also – Can You Flush Hair Down The Toilet?
Why is My Toilet Bubbling When The Shower is Running FAQs
Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When I Run The Shower?
To force air out If you turn your bathroom on, it flows through the pipe and pushes the air inside the pipe out. If there’s a blockage within your pipes, the air may get stuck. Without a way out it could be pushed up through another drain, such as the toilet.
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