What Causes a Toilet to Gurgle & Back Up?
Clog Forming in the Line
As the toilet is used, toilet tissue and waste matter may collect somewhere along the sewer drain pipe. Over time, this blockage, couple with grease, hair and other debris, may cause a slow drain that prevents the proper air flow through the line. When the plumbing line is unable to pull air from the outside, so that the water flows through the lines, the gurgling sound will occur.
Vent Installation
The gurgling problem may be caused by vents that are improperly installed. The vent is a pipe line that stems off of the main plumbing lines that extends through the roof or side of the building, to the outside. As the water flushes through the line, it is supposed to flow smoothly to the main sewage line. A properly installed vent will cause a vacuum-like suction on the water, pulling it through the drain pipes. The vents also allow sewer gases to escape to the outside.
Vent Obstructions
It may be necessary to check the vent, to make sure there are no obstructions blocking it. It is possible that outside debris, such as leaves, a tree branch or even an animal home may be the cause of the inadequate air flow into the line, that is causing the gurgling sound.
Septic Tank
If the sewer line feeds into a septic tank, then gurgle and back up may indicate that a complete clog or overflow is about to occur. As the septic tank fills up, there is less room for air in the tank. The vent may also become obstructed from the overflow, or there may be outside debris blocking it, as well. The septic tank will have to be cleaned out, to prevent sewer gases from coming through the lines, and to prevent a raw sewage backup from entering the plumbing in the home or building.
Plunging and Snaking the Line
If the problem is simply a clog in the line, then plunging the toilet may release the clog. If this doesn't work, then a closet auger may be used to snake out the clog. The reach of a closet augers is not very far, so if the blockage is not in or near the toilet, then a professional plumber may have to do the job. To prevent any further back up, the plumbing lines should be flushed to clear the blockage.
Chemical Drain Opener
It is important to not use a chemical drain opener in the toilet. While they may effectively break down a clog, if used in a toilet, these chemicals may break down the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the drain pipe in the floor.
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