There's A Reason That Your Toilet Is Bubbling When You Take A Shower
The suspicious bubbling in your toilet is happening for a reason. In fact, there are several reasons why this issue may occur. You may be dealing with a block in your plumbing line, which could easily be resolved with a plunger. Another common cause is a clogged vent stack, which is difficult to clear without the help of a plumber. A bubbling toilet could also be a sign of a larger issue that will require your local municipality to get involved. On the bright side, if your toilet bubbles while your shower is running, this may help diagnose and resolve the issue faster, as this could indicate that the clog is somewhere in the vicinity of your shower.
Although this is one of the most common toilet problems there is, it is not one you should ignore. A blockage that is not dealt with quickly could cause bigger issues down the line and require bigger repairs. So, instead of trying to ignore the bubbling in your toilet or pretending it will go away on its own, let's talk about the potential causes and how you can go about fixing it.
Here's why your toilet bubbles while the shower is running
One of the most common causes of a bubbling toilet is a blocked plumbing line. In the case of a clogged plumbing line, the backflow of air pressure will cause bubbles to form in the toilet bowl. Bubbles occurring while the shower is running is a good indicator that the blockage is somewhere near the shower. Unclogging the line could be as simple as clearing it with a plunger, but if this doesn't work, call a professional for help.
Another common cause is a blockage in the vent. If your vent is clogged, the bubbling in your toilet may also be accompanied by the smell of rotten eggs. Typically, this vent runs all the way up to your roof, so the blockage may be caused by something from outside like an animal or leaves. Clearing it is not always easy, especially because you may need to access the vent from the roof. In this case, it is also best to get a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.
Toilet issues may be a sign of faulty parts, such as a cracked flapper. A leaking flapper is also a common reason why you're always having to flush your toilet twice. Or, it's possible that hard water might be the cause of your toilet's problems. Mineral buildup caused by hard water creates blockages in the toilet tank over time, which may be contributing to the issue.
If these issues don't apply to your bubbling toilet, you may be dealing with a bigger problem
Other causes of a bubbling toilet are not as easy to fix on your own. The problem could be a clog in the sewer or drain line. The sewer line is responsible for removing wastewater from your home, so if this becomes blocked, you may have a problem on your hands. These clogs are often caused by items going down the drain that are not flushable, such as wipes and hygiene products, as well as outside factors like shifting ground and tree roots interfering with the pipes.
These issues can be fixed with the help of a plumber. However, depending on the severity and location of the clog, the clog may be affecting your neighbors' plumbing as well. In this case, the problem should be addressed by contacting the local municipality that you live in, as it is their job to keep these lines clear. Gurgling, foul odors, and water backflow into your toilet bowl are all signs of a clogged sewer line. If the backed-up water is dark and smells of sewage, vacate the area and call an emergency plumber immediately as it may be hazardous to your health. Whatever the case may be, it may be worthwhile to have your plumbing system inspected regularly to avoid future malfunctions.