Here, we’ll be focused on finding the causes for gurgling toilets and what it portends for your septic system. This is just one area among several where we’ll be focused on.

So, are you experiencing gurgling toilets? What’s the cause and how can the problem be remedied?

If you have a septic system installed on your property, one of several conditions you should be concerned about and not take for granted includes gurgling sounds. These disturbing sounds can be heard when flushing the toilet.

Such a situation is disturbing because it isn’t normal and has to be checked.

All of these issues will be discussed as you read along. We’re confident that you’ll find the solution you seek right here. So, without further delay let’s get into the details of our discussion.

Causes Of Gurgling Toilets

Here is why your toilet is gurgling?

Before a septic system fails, it gives signs which shouldn’t be ignored. These alert you to possible issues affecting normal functioning. One of such signs includes gurgling sounds heard when a toilet is flushed.

Do you know why your toilet gurgles at end of a flush?

By design, normal functioning should be relatively quiet apart from the sound of water being flushed down the toilet drain. As such, any gurgling sound heard points to a developing problem.

Gurgling sounds result when negative air pressure or suction builds up within your drain line.

As a result of such negative pressure, an airlock forms. Now, whenever water gets into the airlock area of your toilet drains, the negative pressure is released, thus pushing air backward through the drainpipe to the toilet bowl

Gurgling sounds heard from a septic system could be due to any of the following reasons, a full tank as well as clogs within your drains. These are sufficient enough to cause gurgling sounds which aren’t pretty at all.

Source of Toilet Gurgling Problems

Whenever gurgling toilets are noticed, it’s necessary to find out what part of your septic system is having issues. We’ve stated two possible causes to include clogs or a full tank.

Another likely cause includes a blocked vent stack.

Let’s discuss each of these points to enable you fully grasp the extent of the problem.

  • Toilet or Drain Clogs

Among the three likely sources of gurgling sounds mentioned above, drain clogs are the most common.

Getting your septic system back up after a clog isn’t so difficult too. Now, clogs are formed when items that shouldn’t be found within your septic system are flushed down.

These may consist of cotton swabs, baby wipes, and feminine sanitary products among a host of other items. These may end up getting stuck within your toilet’s drain.

When such items get stuck, a partial a complete, or partial clog of your drains will result.

Most times, it begins with a partial clog which causes your drains to flow sluggishly. It’s important to have the clogging fixed as early as possible to prevent the situation from worsening.

  • A Full Septic Tank

A full septic tank simply means its contents are above the normal limits.

This situation arises when a septic tank isn’t pumped as frequently as it should. When ignored, full septic tanks cause further problems by affecting other system components like drainage pipes and drain fields.

This situation interferes with or affects the flow of greywater to the drain field. Once this happens, untreated solids within the septic tank are likely to find their way to your drain field.

This clogs up the system and may eventually lead to system failure.

  • A Blocked Vent Stack

Vent stacks serve an important function as they allow the escape of gases and odors as well as equalize air pressure within your pipes.

Whenever the vent stack gets blocked, negative pressure is built within the system, hence the need to free up such blockages.

The nature of such blockage may include accumulated leaves, deceased animals, or frost.

Whatever it is, such blockage should be cleared to normalize smooth operations of your septic system.

Fixing Gurgling Toilet and Septic System Issues

Looking for how to fix a gurgling toilet?

By now, it’s abundantly clear that a gurgling toilet isn’t normal and should be urgently fixed.

Knowing how to do this is crucial as it could help in times of emergency.

While some of the solutions discussed are best offered by a plumber or septic company, others can be carried out through DIY methods.

Here is what to do when your toilet is bubbling.

  • Use A Plunger

A plunger is one tool you should always have ready for clogging issues. Your toilet should serve as the point of action. Before then, it’s necessary to seal off your drains to prevent air from escaping.

A duct tape could serve this function. Now work the toilet drain using your plunger. This action should help remove moderate clogs.

  • Snake your Drain

Sometimes, plungers may not give you the result you seek. This is more common when dealing with difficult clogs.

Under such circumstances, trying out more efficient alternatives may be all you need to do.

Snaking through the toilet bowl is a great way to dislodge any stubborn clogs obstructing your toilet drains.

  • Call a Septic Company

Septic companies provide the vital service of evacuating or pumping septic tanks in addition to carrying out system repairs. This is mostly the case when the problem (gurgling sounds) is traced to a full septic tank.

The septic tank is cleaned or pumped to allow for normal functioning.

Gurgling sounds may be caused by additional factors. As such, pumping the septic tank alone won’t solve the problem. Other issues like a clogged vent stack need to be resolved too.

An inspection by the septic service should reveal underlying issues.

Contact a Plumber

A licensed plumber should be called for more complex jobs. Unclogging a drain pipe won’t always be easy. In other words, you might not be well experienced to handle a difficult clogging situation.

For such problems, licensed and experienced plumbers are only a call away.

Gurgling toilet sounds are early signs of trouble and should be taken seriously. When ignored, such problems are bound to worsen leading to system failure.

This isn’t something you’d want to experience as it can be costly to fix. Periodic septic system maintenance should help fix such issues.

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