Toilet Issues

May 25, 2011

PROBLEMS:

Clog Forming
Your toilet can collect excess toilet paper and waste along the sewer drain pipe. This blockage, along with grease, hair and other debris that accumulates over time, may cause a slow drain preventing proper air flow through the line. When the plumbing line is unable to pull air from the outside, the water will have difficulty flowing through the lines and you’ll hear a gurgling sound.

Vent Installation
Improperly installed vents may cause a gurgling sound in your plumbing. Your plumbing vent is a pipe line that stems off of the main plumbing lines and extends through the roof or side of the house to the outside. This is an integral part of your plumbing system. As 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.

Inadequately Vented System
Toilets that don’t flush, drains that gurgle, choke or overflow may be the result of an inadequately vented system. Inadequately vented lines also pull water out of traps allowing sewer gas into your home.

Vent Obstructions
Although an uncommon occurrence, you may need to check the vent to make sure there are no obstructions blocking it. It’s 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, causing a gurgling noise.

SOLUTIONS:

Plunger
If the problem is simply a clog in the line, you may be able to plunge the toilet to release the clog.

Snaking the line
If plunging doesn’t work, the blockage may not be in or near the toilet. In this situation contact a professional plumber to snake the line. Your plumber can also flush the plumbing lines to prevent further back-ups.

Chemical Drain Cleaners
DO NOT us any chemical drain cleaners in your toilet. These chemicals break down the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the drain pipe in the floor.

Contact a Professional Plumber
If you think your toilet issues are due to a plumbing vent problem, leave this to the experts. Contact a professional plumber to diagnose and fix your problem.

If you’re having problems with your toilet or any plumbing fixtures, contact us. If you have any more plumbing questions, visit us on our Ask An Expert page.

Sources: www.inspectapedia.com 
 www.ehow.com