Why Does My Toilet Gurgle When the Washing Machine Drains?

If your toilet sounds like coffee percolating every time you wash your clothes, you aren’t alone. As their commode bubbles and babbles, many homeowners are left wondering about the link between laundry and loo.

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This common household phenomenon, which is caused by air escaping pipes, can have numerous underlying causes, many of which indicate a problem that needs to be fixed.

Why Does My Toilet Bubble When My Washing Machine Drains?

When your washing machine drains, air may be forced back through the pipes until it finds an exit. If the closest opening is your commode, you’ll probably hear the toilet gurgling when the washer drains. This may happen for several reasons.

Clogged Pipes

Clogged drain pipes are a common cause of toilet gurgling. Over time, soap residue, hair and other debris accumulate in your drain pipes. If untreated, this can cause a clog. This partial blockage can impede the flow of wastewater from your washer, trapping air in the process. The escaping air then causes toilet bubbles and gurgling sounds.

Obstructed Ventilation

To balance the air pressure in your pipes, you need proper ventilation. Bird or squirrel nests, structural damage, leaves and other debris can block rooftop ventilation pipes, preventing air from escaping. Ultimately, this can cause a pressure buildup. If your vent pipes are blocked, there’s a good chance you’ll hear your toilet gurgling when the washer drains.

Damaged Septic or Sewer System

Septic and sewer lines carry wastewater away from your home, but they can be damaged or blocked by accumulating sediment or tree root intrusion. Blockages or collapsed pipes can hinder the flow of wastewater and trap air, resulting in gurgling sounds or bubbling in your toilet when your washing machine empties.

Full Septic Tank

Residential septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. If the tank's water or sludge levels get too high, it can no longer handle more waste. The result can be a gurgling toilet or pipes and, eventually, a backup.

Incorrectly Installed Washer Drain

If your washing machine drain was installed at an incorrect slope or you have a poorly constructed plumbing trap, it can prevent wastewater from exiting freely. The trapped air that results can cause toilet gurgling.

Can Drain Gurgling Happen in Other Places?

Your toilet isn’t the only appliance that may gurgle. You may also hear similar noises in bathtub or kitchen sink drains. Moreover, a draining washing machine isn’t the only thing that can cause this to occur. Draining dishwashers and emptying sinks and tubs may also cause gurgling in other areas of your plumbing system for the same reasons stated above.

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Is a Gurgling Toilet Dangerous?

Toilet bubbling when the washing machine drains can signify underlying issues, such as pipe clogs, a full septic tank or obstructed ventilation. If the problem isn’t identified and addressed quickly, it can potentially escalate, resulting in costly repairs or a damaging backup.

Can I Prevent Toilet Gurgling?

Keeping your plumbing system in good working order can prevent the underlying issues that cause drain or toilet gurgling. To keep the water flowing, follow a few simple guidelines:

• Flush only human waste and toilet tissue. Don’t flush wipes, even if the label says they're flushable.

• Avoid putting grease, oil, pasta, rice or coffee grounds down the kitchen drain.

• Clear hair from bathroom drains and install hair-catchers.

• Have your septic tank pumped and inspected every 3 to 5 years.

• Hire a professional to install your washing machine.

• Invest in a water softener.

• Install screens over your roof vents to keep out animals and debris.

What Should I Do If My Toilet Gurgles When the Washer Drains?

If your toilet gurgles every time your washer drains, you’ll need to identify and address the cause. Small clogs can often be resolved by plunging or snaking your toilet. If that doesn’t work and you’re comfortable climbing a ladder, you may also want to check your roof vent stack for obstructions, such as animal nests or leaves. When necessary, a professional exterminator can help you relocate wildlife that's made a home there.

Talking to your neighbors may provide additional insight into the problem. Similar problems in nearby residences may indicate the main sewer line is to blame. In that case, you should contact your local sewer authority for help.

If you can't resolve the problem on your own, you may need to call in a licensed plumber who can safely and effectively diagnose and fix the issue.