Why Is Your Toilet Gurgling on a Septic System?

A septic system is a type of wastewater treatment system that uses a septic tank and a drainfield to dispose of the sewage from your home. A septic system is designed to operate quietly and efficiently, without causing any problems or noises.

However, sometimes you may notice that your toilet is making gurgling sounds whenever you flush or even at random times. This can be annoying and alarming, as it indicates that something is wrong with your septic system.

The gurgling sounds are caused by air bubbles being released from the water trapped in your pipes or tank. This means that there is a blockage or an obstruction somewhere in your septic system that is preventing the normal flow of wastewater.

In this blog post, we will explain the common causes of toilet gurgling on a septic system and how to fix them.

Why Is Your Toilet Gurgling on a Septic System?

Cause 1: Blocked Plumbing Drain

The most common and simplest cause of toilet gurgling on a septic system is a clogged plumbing drain. This is the drain pipe that connects your toilet to the main sewer line that leads to the septic tank.

A clogged plumbing drain can be caused by flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes, diapers, tampons, cotton swabs, etc. These items can get stuck in the pipe and create a partial or complete blockage.

A partial blockage can slow down the drainage of water and create negative air pressure in the pipe. This causes air bubbles to form and escape through the toilet bowl, creating gurgling sounds.

A complete blockage can prevent the water from draining at all and cause the toilet to overflow or back up.

How to Fix It

To fix a blocked plumbing drain, you will need a plunger or a drain snake. A plunger is a tool that uses suction to dislodge clogs in pipes. A drain snake is a tool that has a long flexible cable with a cutting head that can reach deep into pipes and break up clogs.

To use a plunger, you will need to seal off any other drains in your bathroom, such as sinks, tubs, or showers. This will prevent air from escaping and create more suction. Then fill the toilet bowl with water and place the plunger over the drain hole. Push and pull the plunger vigorously for about 15 seconds. Repeat this process until the water drains normally.

To use a drain snake, you will need to remove the toilet from its base and expose the drain pipe. Then insert the cable into the pipe and crank it until you feel resistance. Then pull it back and forth to break up the clog. Repeat this process until the water drains normally.

Cause 2: Blocked Sewer Line

Another possible cause of toilet gurgling on a septic system is a blocked sewer line. This is the main pipe that connects your home to the septic tank.

A blocked sewer line can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Tree roots growing into the pipe and creating cracks or holes
• Grease, fat, or oil buildup in the pipe
• Excessive water usage or rainfall that overwhelms the septic tank
• Damaged or collapsed pipe due to age, corrosion, or soil movement

A blocked sewer line can create a backup of wastewater in your pipes and tank. This can cause air bubbles to form and escape through your toilet bowl, creating gurgling sounds.

A blocked sewer line can also cause sewage to overflow into your yard or basement, creating health and environmental hazards.

How to Fix It

To fix a blocked sewer line, you will need to call a professional septic service company. They will use specialized equipment such as cameras, jetters, or augers to locate and clear the blockage.

They will also inspect your sewer line for any damage or leaks and repair them if necessary.

They may also recommend pumping out your septic tank if it is too full or has sludge buildup.

Cause 3: Blocked Drainfield

Another possible cause of toilet gurgling on a septic system is a blocked drainfield. This is the part of your septic system that consists of perforated pipes buried in gravel trenches that distribute wastewater into the soil.

A blocked drainfield can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Compacted soil due to heavy traffic, construction, or landscaping on or near the drainfield
• Excessive water usage or rainfall that saturates the soil and reduces its absorption capacity
• Clogging of the pipes or gravel due to solids, sludge, or biomat (a layer of bacteria and organic matter that forms on the drainfield surface)
• Damage or collapse of the pipes due to age, corrosion, or soil movement

A blocked drainfield can prevent the wastewater from draining properly and cause it to back up into your pipes and tank. This can cause air bubbles to form and escape through your toilet bowl, creating gurgling sounds.

A blocked drainfield can also cause sewage to surface on your yard or contaminate your groundwater, creating health and environmental hazards.

How to Fix It

To fix a blocked drainfield, you will need to call a professional septic service company. They will use specialized equipment such as cameras, jetters, or augers to locate and clear the blockage.

They will also inspect your drainfield for any damage or leaks and repair them if necessary.

They may also recommend installing a new drainfield or an alternative septic system if your drainfield is beyond repair.

Cause 4: Venting Problems

Another possible cause of toilet gurgling on a septic system is venting problems. Venting is the process of allowing air to enter and exit your plumbing system to balance the pressure and prevent air locks.

Your plumbing system has vent pipes that connect to your roof and allow air to escape from your pipes and tank. These vent pipes also allow fresh air to enter your pipes and tank to prevent vacuum formation and odor buildup.

Venting problems can occur when your vent pipes are clogged, damaged, or improperly installed. This can prevent air from flowing freely in your plumbing system and create negative or positive air pressure in your pipes and tank.

Negative air pressure can cause air bubbles to form and escape through your toilet bowl, creating gurgling sounds.

Positive air pressure can cause water to be pushed out of your toilet bowl or traps, creating splashing sounds or sewer gas smells.

How to Fix It

To fix venting problems, you will need to inspect and clear your vent pipes. You can use a flashlight and a ladder to check for any obstructions such as leaves, nests, debris, or ice in your vent pipes. You can use a garden hose or a plumber’s snake to flush out any clogs in your vent pipes.

You will also need to check for any damage or leaks in your vent pipes. You can use a smoke test or a water test to detect any cracks or holes in your vent pipes. You can use caulk or tape to seal any minor leaks in your vent pipes.

You will also need to check for any improper installation of your vent pipes. You can use a level or a plumb bob to check if your vent pipes are vertical and straight. You can use pipe fittings or supports to adjust any misaligned or sagging vent pipes.

If you are not comfortable with inspecting or clearing your vent pipes yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.

FAQs

Q: What is a septic system?

A: A septic system is a type of wastewater treatment system that uses a septic tank and a drainfield to dispose of the sewage from your home.

Q: How often should I pump out my septic tank?

A: You should pump out your septic tank every 3 to 5 years depending on the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and the amount of water you use.

Q: How can I prevent toilet gurgling on a septic system?

A: You can prevent toilet gurgling on a septic system by following these tips:

• Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes, diapers, tampons, cotton swabs, etc. that can clog your plumbing drain or sewer line.
• Use water-efficient fixtures and appliances and reduce your water usage to avoid overloading your septic tank and drainfield.
• Keep trees and plants away from your sewer line and drainfield to prevent root intrusion and soil compaction.
• Inspect and maintain your septic system regularly and pump out your septic tank as needed to prevent sludge and scum buildup.
• Check and clear your vent pipes periodically to ensure proper air flow in your plumbing system.

Q: When should I call a professional for toilet gurgling on a septic system?

A: You should call a professional for toilet gurgling on a septic system if:

• You have tried the DIY methods and the problem persists or worsens.
• You notice sewage backup or overflow in your toilet, sinks, tubs, or yard.
• You notice foul odors or wet spots in your yard or basement.
• You notice signs of damage or leaks in your sewer line, septic tank, or drainfield.

A professional septic service company can diagnose and fix the problem using specialized equipment and techniques. They can also advise you on the best course of action for your septic system.