How to Fix Gurgling Toilet

How to Fix a Gurgling Toilet

A gurgling toilet is more than just annoying — it's a warning sign that your plumbing system has a problem. The good news: in most cases, you can fix it yourself. Here's how.

Step 1: Plunge the Toilet

The most common cause of toilet gurgling is a partial clog in the toilet trap or drain. Start here:

1. Use a Korky BeehiveMAX Toilet Plunger — the flange design seals all bowl shapes
2. Make sure there's enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber cup
3. Insert the flange into the drain opening
4. Push down gently to remove air, then plunge with firm rapid strokes — 15–20 times
5. Pull up sharply on the last stroke
6. Flush to test — if the gurgling stops, you're done

Step 2: Check Other Drains

After plunging, run water in the sink and shower. Does the toilet still gurgle?

• Yes — toilet gurgles when other fixtures run: The problem is in the shared drain line or main sewer line, not just the toilet
• No — toilet only gurgles when flushed: The clog is localized to the toilet drain

Step 3: Snake the Toilet Drain

If plunging doesn't fix it, use a toilet auger (closet auger) to reach deeper into the toilet trap. A standard drain snake can scratch the porcelain — use a toilet-specific auger with a rubber sleeve.

Step 4: Clear the Main Sewer Line

If multiple drains are affected, the clog is in the main sewer line:

1. Locate the sewer cleanout — a capped pipe outside your home near the foundation
2. Open the cap carefully (stand back — backed-up water may flow out)
3. Feed a 25ft Drain Auger into the cleanout toward the street
4. Rotate clockwise to break up the clog
5. Flush a toilet inside to test if the line is clear

Step 5: Check the Roof Vent

If clearing the drain doesn't stop the gurgling, the roof vent pipe may be blocked. A blocked vent prevents air from entering the system, causing gurgling in the toilet (the lowest and most sensitive fixture).

Clearing a roof vent requires getting on the roof — or calling a plumber if you're not comfortable doing that.

When to Call a Plumber

• Plunging and snaking don't stop the gurgling
• Multiple drains are affected and the main line auger doesn't help
• Sewage is backing up into the toilet or other fixtures
• You suspect tree root intrusion in the sewer line

Bottom Line

Fix a gurgling toilet by plunging first, then snaking if needed. If other drains are also affected, clear the main sewer line through the cleanout. If none of that works, the roof vent is blocked — time to call a plumber.