Why Is My Toilet Bubbling When the Shower Is Running?

Has a faulty plumbing system left you asking, "Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running?" Your plumbing system can suffer clogs, blocks, and other problems at any place, so only a professional can effectively find the issue.

If you're experiencing plumbing problems, Formica Plumbing and Sewage Company is Wickliffe's reliable plumbing repair specialist. They can find the issue and fix it so you can use your water in peace.

The Most Common Problems

Your plumbing system is a complicated network of pipes, drains, vents, and more. Problems occur anywhere along the line, but plumbers see the following common culprits the most.

Blocked Plumbing Line

Bubbling occurs when your plumbing line is blocked. To fix the issue, the plumber has to find the block. With a blocked line, the air creates negative pressure that bounces back to the toilet, creating bubbles. 

When the bubbles occur during a shower, it means the block is near that fixture. However, you may have multiple blocks, so call a plumber to identify and fix all problems.

Clogs in Your Venting

Venting pipes run from your drain through your roof. They ensure exhaust and sewer gases escape and also manage air pressure.

Clogged vent pipes create negative air pressure. The biggest signs of a clogged vent pipe are slowly draining water around your house and the smell of sewage.

The pipe can clog with everything from leaves to debris and even small rodents or birds. The exhaust from a blocked sewer pipe can cause serious health problems, including headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, drowsiness, and even heart palpitations. Your plumber can remove the block, then install a screen over your vent pipe prevents larger debris and animals from clogging it.

Clogs in Your Drain

A partial drain block causes negative pressure and a gurgling toilet. A fully-blocked drain prevents your toilet from flushing. You want to fix a partial block before it becomes a full block.

Drain blocks can occur close to the drain or closer to the sewer line. A professional plumber can find the leak and determine whether the homeowner or the city is responsible for fixing the issue.

Blocked Sewer Line

When the problem occurs in the sewer line, you'll experience more concerns than just a bubbling toilet. Your neighbors will experience issues as well. 

There's good news in this case: the city is responsible for unblocking the sewer line at no expense to you. Your plumber will advise you to call your utility company to expedite resolving the problem.

To help prevent blocking your sewer line, follow these steps:

• Avoid draining meat or fat in your sink
• Don't use sulfur-based drain cleaning products
• Reduce or avoid the use of flushable toilet wipes
• Don't let your children flush toys down the toilet

Incorrect Plumbing

If your house or bathroom addition is new, your contractor may have improperly installed the plumbing. You could have a faulty vent, a poorly-built drain, or several other problems. Contact a plumber that wasn't involved in the construction for a non-biased analysis. 

Sediment Build Up

Hard water causes problems all over your house, but it's especially difficult on your toilet tank. Over time, minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium build up in your tank and cause it to clog. The gurgling sound is a clear sign your tank might suffer from sediment buildup.

You can help prevent sediment buildup by installing a water filtration system or water softener.

Faulty Flapper

Do you find yourself asking, "Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running?" The problem may reside with the flapper inside your toilet's tank.

The flapper is responsible for refilling the toilet with clean water after flushing. An old or broken flapper might cause the negative pressure responsible for the bubbling toilet.

In extreme cases, you may need to completely replace your toilet's cistern. A professional plumber can assess how severe the broken flapper is and promptly repair it.

How a Plumber Fixes the Problem

Even with new technology, residential toilets can suffer frequent problems. Professional plumbers are experts at finding and addressing concerns, but how do they go about fixing a bubbling toilet?

Identify the Block's Location

Because the block can occur anywhere, plumbers use a number of techniques to find the location:

1. The plumber makes sure the block isn't occurring at the sewer line. They'll advise you to call the city if the problem resides there.
2. They'll check the vent stacks on your roof to determine if any are blocked. If they believe the vent is clogged farther away from the vent, they can use a snake camera to identify where the clog is.
3. The plumber will check the toilet tank to ensure the problem isn't there.
4. If they still can't find the clog, the plumber can use several different tools to identify the location. They might examine how the water flows through your plumbing system, use a snaked camera, or test your pipes with other methods.

Remove the Block or Repair the Problem

Plumbers possess a number of tools to remove blocks and clogs. For example, they might duct tape or plug the drain and plunger the toilet. The resulting pressure can dislodge easier clogs, clearing the line.

Plumbing snakes are also an effective tool for dislodging some forms of clogs. Your plumber may have commercial-length snakes or ones powered by electricity to remove the harder-to-reach or more stubborn blockages.

If the problem resides in the toilet tank, the plumber might have everything they need to fix it immediately. If the problem is more serious, they may need to order a part.

No matter the cause, a professional plumber can address and fix the problem so you can use your toilet and shower again.

Call Formica Plumbing and Sewage Co For All Your Plumbing Problems

Now you know the answer to, "Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running?" Whether your kids are flushing food down the toilet or your pipes are leaking, Formica Plumbing and Sewage can help.

Call us at 440-557-4743 for prompt and professional plumbing repairs.