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The gurgling sound that you hear your toilet produce can be happen for several different reasons. It could mean that there is a problem with your sewer line such as a problematic drain vent, a partial clog or blockage along the sewer line, or a faulty septic tank.

Understanding the reason for the gurgling sound that you hear from your toilet

Clog or obstruction along the main sewer line: As we use the toilet day in and day out, some waste matter such as toilet tissue or small chunks of soap could accumulate along the sewer line. Eventually, this accumulation together with hair, grease and other trash can cause a clog or blockage that will slow down draining and impede the air flow along the sewer line. When air is not drawn from the outside to flow freely along the plumbing and sewer line then you will hear that gurgling sound.

Improperly installed vents or blocked vents: The gurgling sound that you hear from your toilet could be the result of an incorrectly installed vent. A vent is a tube or pipe line that is connected to the main sewer line. It stretches to the outside of your house through the side or roof. The purpose of a vent is to create a suction-like action that pulls water through the drain as it is flushed through the pipes to make it flow easily towards the sewage line. An improperly installed vent means less air and less suction, thus the gurgling sound. A blocked vent also has the same effect. It also is responsible for sewer gases being vented out.

Full septic tank: A full septic tank has less space for air in the septic tank and so does a totally clogged septic tank, this could be another reason why you hear the gurgling sound from your toilet. This is a very serious problem since it could result in an overflow.

Whatever the reason is that your toilet is producing the gurgling sound, having it inspected and the problem remedied by professional plumbers is important. You don’t want a toilet that has backflow into your house.

Garbage disposals are meant to do away with food particles by grinding and pulverizing them so that they can easily be washed down the drain. This device is not meant for hard objects such as fruit pits and chicken and meat bones or fibrous materials such as potato or banana peel, broccoli stalks or cornhusks. Unfortunately because of lack of knowledge instead of disposing this trash properly, they get stuffed down the garbage disposal, until the garbage disposal clogs or stops working. You can either call a plumber or try solving the problem yourself.

Unclogging a garbage disposal is not a difficult task if you know what to do and have the right tools to do it. Before you do anything though, make sure that the power is off or the unit is unplugged. You do not want to compound the problem by being electrocuted.

The first thing you need to do is drain the standing water over the garbage disposal so you can check what’s causing the problem. Use a plunger to pump out the water. Sometimes the plunger alone will do the trick of unclogging your garbage disposal especially when all that got stuck is small food debris.

If after the water has drained but the garbage disposal is still clogged and isn’t working then try examining the cylinder with a flash light and with a pair of pliers or tong, dislodge whatever got stuck within the cutting blades manually. Every once and a while turn on the tap and allow the water to flow to wash down the loosened food debris.

If a big, hard or tough object is wedged within the cutting blades of your garbage disposal then you need to un-jam it. Armed with an allen wrench or a hex head wrench, get under the sink and dislodge whatever is causing the garbage disposal to jam. Place the wrench in a hole located at the very center of the unit’s cylinder and turn it clockwise and counterclockwise. If there is something within the cutting blades you will feel some resistance every time you turn the wrench. Continue turning the wrench both ways until you don’t feel any more resistance.

If your garbage disposal is still clogged or doesn’t work after you’ve done all of the above then you need a plumber urgently. Your problem may not only be your garbage disposal, it could be something else and should be looked at immediately.

If you’re thinking of buying a garbage disposal and having it installed in your kitchen then be prepared to look at a flood of models and brands that are available in the marketplace. The simple task of choosing what will work best for you can be a daunting prospect when faced with so many choices.

Having a garbage disposal in good working order is essential in maintaining a clean environment for your home and averting any drainage issue in the future. This is one reason why one of your most important criteria for choosing a garbage disposal should be quality and durability.

Here are additional tips for choosing garbage disposal

• Choose a brand or model with a warranty, this proves the manufacturer’s commitment to their merchandise.
•  Take into consideration the extent of the use the garbage disposal will be subjected to. If you want the unit for your home, then choose one that is suited for home use. But if you need it for your business, such as a restaurant, then get a more powerful garbage disposal.
• Another factor to consider is easy and simple installation. There are units that are simple and easy to install, some even comes with a DIY installation instruction.
• Consider also the presence of a septic tank in your sewer system. There are models that are septic tank specific.
• Lastly, compare prices. Some disposals are more expensive than the others even if the specifications and features are the same.

Garbage disposals are very helpful kitchen appliances. If and when you buy one, make sure that you’re getting the best one, at least the best for you. It also pays to ask for recommendation from friends and family and to check comments and reviews of satisfied users for each and every product that you are considering.