Witnessing your toilet drains so slowly then making gurgling noises can be pretty unsettling. While there’s a chance that it’s only a one-off occasion, there’s also a possibility that it’s a sign of a more urgent issue. There are plenty of possible reasons why a toilet doesn’t flush as it supposed to be.
The following list below presents the four most possible reasons why your toilet flushes slow and gurgles, which may be able to help you discover the real culprit and find the resolution of the problem faster and easier.
Toilet Flushes Slow and Gurgles at the Bottom
- Clogged toilet
The most common reason for the majority of toilet problems is due to clogging issues. The clogged toilet typically occurs due to improper flushings, such as complicated stuff being flushed down the toilet or the flushing function doesn’t work optimally. This is why most modern toilets nowadays have a dual-flush feature to provide a strong flush that reduces the likelihood of clogged toilets.
Not only does a clogged situation may cause a gurgling toilet septic tank, but it may also affect the vent pipes and drainage. Certain clogging situations do not require much effort to resolve, but in some cases, it needs to be handled by professional plumbers.
- Sediment buildup
The following possible reason your toilet flushes slow and gurgles is to accumulate mineral materials from water-containing substances such as calcium, iron, or magnesium. This issue is especially prevalent in building with hard water with a higher calcifying tendency. Sediment buildup will cause gurgling noise to be heard when you refill the water tank.
- Clogged vent pipes
If you have checked your toilet and water tank but don’t seem to find any issue with them, then the problem may lie with the vent pipes. Most toilets in American houses are connected with vent pipes that lead towards the roof. If these pipes are clogged, then you’re most likely to find debris, the nest of a bird, or small animal’s carcass there.
Now, before you check for the clogged vent pipes, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of wild animals lodging there, such as rats, frogs, possums, or squirrels. Always practice safety measures and exercise caution.
- Poorly working flapper
The flapper is the toilet element that allows water to drain out the tank into the bowl when flushing happens. It is not rare for the flapper to become defective, which may cause toilet bubbles when flushed. Most homeowners will need to replace the flapper or the water tank entirely when this occurs. You will need help from a professional plumber if you require fixing the water tank.
Slowly draining and gurgling toilets is not exactly a rare occurrence, but it’s best not to be ignored. As you can conclude from the list of potential reasons why your toilet flushes slow and gurgles, some issues are simple enough that they can be tackled by yourself. In contrast, some others may require calling a professional plumber to get your toilet functions as correctly as it should again.
