Why Does My Shower Gurgle When I Flush the Toilet

my shower drain makes a strange gurgling sound when I flush my toilet

Have you ever noticed a strange gurgling noise coming from your shower drain while you were using the toilet? This phenomenon can be quite unsettling, but it’s a common plumbing issue that many homeowners experience.

Why does my shower gurgle when I flush the toilet? Your shower gurgles when you flush the toilet because of a blocked vent trap in your plumbing system. Water rushes quickly through the drainpipes and builds up a vacuum effect in the pipes. If the vent trap is blocked, it forces air into the pipe leading to the shower drain causing a gurgling sound.

Another reason for the sound in the shower drain can be due to a problem in the D-trap.

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Shower Drain P-Trap

When the shower drain P-trap is dried out, it can cause air to escape into the drain after the toilet has been flushed, leading to gurgling sounds. 

The P-trap is a U-shaped section of plumbing that is designed to prevent foul odors and harmful gases from escaping the drain and entering your living space. The P-trap always holds a small amount of water, creating a barrier that prevents sewer gases from flowing back into your home. 

However, if the shower has not been used in a long time or if the water in the trap evaporates due to infrequent use or clogging, then the P-trap can dry out, allowing air to enter the drain. 

How do you Fix a Gurgling Shower Drain?

There are several ways to fix a gurgling shower drain. The first step is to check the vent that allows air to escape.

Clean Vent Screen

First, you can clean the vent screen near the top of the vent on your roof. The vent allows air to flow out of the drainpipe and prevents a vacuum effect when water is running down the pipes. 

Pour Water Down the Vent To Unblock it

Pouring Water Down Cent Another way to fix a gurgling shower drain is by pouring water down the vent to clear it out. The water will push any debris or blockages out of the vent, allowing air to flow freely through the pipe. This can help eliminate any gurgling sounds coming from the shower drain.

Fill the P-trap in your Shower Piping

You can also fill the P-trap in your shower, which was not used frequently. As mentioned earlier, a dry P-trap can cause gurgling sounds because of air escaping into the drain. It does not take a lot of water. Just enough so that air will not be able to be forced back up into the shower drain when the toilet is flushed.

Auger or Snake to Unblock Sewer Line

If the problem persists, the clog may be in the sewer line, and you may need to use an auger or mechanical snake to remove the blockage. It is recommended to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action to address the problem.

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Aron Blake

I am the lead copywriter on Homezesty and the Webmaster. I have a lot of experience in home renovations and the creation of style. I enjoy writing and sharing my tips on how to create the best living environment. My Linkedin Profile, My Twitter Account

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