Why does my toilet bubble when I run the washer?

It's not a disaster or even a serious problem really, but having your toilet bubble when you do the wash can be a curious thing. Calling a professional like the Plumbing Detectives, an experienced Sydney plumber service, may not be necessary. Find out why.

What Causes the Gurgling?

First of all, you need to understand what is going on in your plumbing. Behind the scenes, there are various levels of water and air in your pipes at all times. The whole system is under some amount of pressure as well, which changes through the day as taps are opened and the toilet is flushed. Vents are part of the system to allow air to move in and out, keeping the pressure balanced and everything running as it should.

When that pressure level is out of balance, your plumbing system can develop vacuums or pressure build-ups in unexpected places. In this particular case, that means the toilet. Air movement in the toilet drain causes the bubbling. If the air movement is strong enough, it can actually suck the water out of the toilet bowl, removing the "cap" that holds in the sewage gases that accumulate in the toilet drain. At this point, you have a more serious problem than just a few gurgles.


So this is the main root of the problem: unequal pressure in the pipes. There are two possible sources for this.

Vents

How your plumbing system is vented can be the source of your problem, though a potential blockage could be creating a temporary problem. When the toilet and the lines serving your washing machine are using the same vent, the sudden rush of water that comes with a washing machine draining will create a sizable vacuum in the system, which leads to the bubbles in the toilet. Common venting routes are not unusual even if they are not the best way to plan out your plumbing. You might want to talk to a plumber about adding extra vents or changing the pipe routes.

Drains

The other half of the system that can cause the gurgling is the drains. This is where a blockage is more likely going to be the root cause, especially if the system was running bubble-free before. Examine the drains and make sure they are clear before doing anything else. If that doesn't fix your gurgling, then there is a more fundamental problem with the pipe routes again. Sharing drains will cause pressure disruptions during the wash drain cycle that appear in your toilet bowl.

Urgency

A little bubbling now and then isn't going to be a disaster and shouldn't be a cause for alarm. It's not a great situation but you should keep an eye on it. As mentioned earlier, drastic pressure changes when the washing machine drains can be enough to pull all the water out of the bowl. This is a more serious concern. That water is there for a reason, to create a fluid and flexible lid on an otherwise open pipe. Gases from inside the drain are hazardous and should not be allowed to go venting into your bathroom. If this starts to be a regular occurrence, call the plumber.

Take Care of Exterior Maintenance and Repairs

Your home's exterior is the first thing guests and neighbors see when they come to visit, so it should make a good impression. By keeping up with exterior maintenance and repairs on a regular basis, you can increase your home's curb appeal and property value and create an inviting entrance to your home.

Exterior Maintenance and Repairs

Exterior maintenance and repairs will keep your home looking its best year-round. Each year, your home's exterior is exposed to hot sun, rain storms, winds, and occasional snow, sleet and ice, so it's important to inspect your home's exterior components on a regular basis. Regular maintenance and attention to needed repairs can prevent problems and save you thousands of dollars every year on costly repairs. If you need help finding a qualified contractor for repairs, get referrals from friends and neighbors and check contractor leads in your area. 

Roofing

Your roof protects the structural integrity of your home, so it's essential to make sure it's in good condition. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are essential to prevent leaks that can cause interior damage, as well as mold and mildew growth on shingles and in gutters. You should inspect your roof once in the spring and once in the fall to look for loose, curling, broken, or missing shingles. If you have a fireplace, inspect your chimney and flue at the same time to prevent smoke and fires. 

Gutters

It's important to inspect and clean out your gutters and downspouts once or twice every year, preferably in the spring and fall. Gutters with broken or loose joints, or gutters that are stopped up with debris like mud, leaves and twigs can cause damage to your home's facings, siding and exterior paint. They can also cause leaks that can damage your home's attic, interior walls and foundation.

Paint and Siding

Exterior paint and siding is exposed to hot sun, rain and wind all year. Heat and sun beating down on your house can cause your siding and paint to fade, crack, splinter and blister. Rain can expose siding and paint to mold and mildew, especially if dampness doesn't dry out quickly. Both sun and rain can cause wood and vinyl siding to expand and contract which can result in increased damage from breaking and cracking.

Doors and Windows

Exterior doors and windows should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis throughout the year. Since both are exposed to outdoor elements year-round, they can be easily damaged. You should inspect your doors and windows for cracks and broken glass that cause air leaks and heat and cooling loss. For maximum energy efficiency, weatherproof your doors and windows to keep your home's interior temperatures comfortable year-round.