Chances are that you have noticed air bubbles in your toilet bowl and it doesn’t sit well with you. Granted, this may not be a major issue like leaking or clogging, but if it is a bother, you want to take care of it.
You may also want to keep in mind that the presence of these air bubbles could be an indication of problem in your plumbing system and if you do not fix it promptly, it may cost you a lot down the line.
There are several ways to eliminate the tiny bubbles in your toilet bowl and this article is dedicated to discussing them. Read on to learn more.
Reasons Why There Are Tiny Air Bubbles in Your Toilet Bowl
Blockages in your Toilet
If your toilet bubbles or gurgles after flushing, it could be that its drain line or S-trap has a blockage. This will in turn cause air to occupy the space that is not blocked. During flushing, water will want to go through that space and that will cause air to mix with water and this will ultimately form bubbles.
How to know it’s a Blockage Problem
A toilet may clog for different reasons, so it’s not easy to tell if the tiny bubbles on your toilet bowl are as a result of the same. Here’s what you need to know in order to determine if a blockage is the culprit.
- Any solid objects in your toilet like wet wipes, sand, or hair can cause a blockage if flushed.
- It is important to carry out sewer maintenance at least once a year, otherwise, blockages are likely to occur.
- American toilets tend to be narrower than the average toilet. This makes them more susceptible to blockages.
How to Fix
You can fix a blockage issue using different methods including:
- Using a baking soda and vinegar mixture – This method involves pouring the mixture down your toilet and pouring hot water over it.
- Utilizing a toilet plunger – A toilet plunger will help push down the blockage.
- Pulling out the blockage using a toilet auger – This tool will help you remove the blockage by pulling it out.
A Malfunctioning Toilet Tank
Your toilet has to have a tank as it plays the crucial role of holding the water required for flushing the toilet bowl. Now if this tank is malfunctioning or broken, it may cause air bubbles in your toilet bowl simply because there is air.
How can you tell it’s the Reason?
You can tell that a faulty tank is the reason why there are tiny air bubbles in your toilet bowl by considering the following.
- Ensure that your toilet flapper has an airtight seal around the flushing pipe whether it is flushing or not. If the flapper has a hairline space, for instance, the air can get into the line and create bubbles.
- If the tank seal is not properly installed, there will be an air presence that could create air bubbles.
- If you live in an older home that is more than 20 years old, chances are that there will be bubbles in your toilet bowl because it is an older version.
If your toilet has bubbles because of any of the above reasons, then you want to fix it as soon as possible. If not, you want to consider the next reason.
How to Fix
There are different reasons why a faulty tank could be the reason why there are bubbles in your toilet bowl. There are different solutions. This includes:
- Tightening of the main water hose pipe
- Toilet flapper replacement
- Toilet resealing
- Entire toilet replacement
The Blocked Vent Stack
All toilets have a vent pipe going through the roof to facilitate passing sewer gas into the air. As you can imagine, sewer gas will pass easily when this vent is clear. On the other hand, if the vent is clogged, air pressure will build up in the pipes and force the gas back into your toilet.
One of the outcomes when this happens is the formation of air bubbles in your toilet bowl.
How to know this is the Cause
Seeing as most vent pipes tend to be open, blockages may be caused by different things. You also want to keep in mind that birds often prefer to make these vent pipes their nests. As such, they will bring tree branches, straws, and dry leaves to make the same.
Of course, such things will cause blockages in the vents. Moreover, the birds can die or rodents may infest the pipes thus causing blockages.
Here’s how to determine that a clogged vent stack is the culprit behind the tiny air bubbles in your toilet bowl.
- The first thing you want to do is get a flashlight and make your way to the roof. Turn on the flashlight and check the inside of your vent pipe. This way, you can spot the blockage.
- In case your flashlight is not as powerful, you can capture several photos with it.
Tips for Preventing Bubbling and Gurgling in Your Toilet
If you don’t appreciate bubbling or gurgling in your toilet, here are a few tips to help you avoid it.
- Avoid flushing anything that is not meant to be flushed down your toilet as it may cause a blockage and ultimately air bubbles. This includes hair, wet wipes, or even sanitary pads.
- Make it a habit to clean your toilet weekly using baking soda and vinegar. This will help keep your toilet clean and free of blockages.
- Never use your toilet bowl cleaner for shower cleaning.
- Put a plastic cover with perforations on your vent stack to prevent blockages. Since the cover has holes, it will be easy for sewer gas to escape without allowing in objects that may cause blockage.
- Schedule a plumbing inspection at least once a year to mitigate any plumbing issues. By so doing, you are less likely to encounter clogging that will then lead to the formation of air bubbles.