Why Does Toilet Water Move When Other Toilet Flushes?

Addressing toilets’ common problems is important to maintain good and proper sanitation. If not, you have no choice but to deal with contaminated wastewater, which can infect individuals inside your house. But what if your toilet water moves when the other toilet flushes? We did the research to tell you how to deal with the problem.  

It's likely that venting is the reason that the toilet water moves when the other toilet flushes. There is not enough air passing through the waste line which feeds both toilets.

Throughout this article, we will help you understand different toilet problems and how you can fix them. Keep on reading, as we have a lot of topics to talk about.

What Happens When The Toilet Is Unvented?

Ceramic white toilet bowl near gray wall, Why Does Toilet Water Move When Other Toilet Flushes?

Proper waste drainage is an important aspect when installing a toilet. It is also essential to remove all human waste products and dirty water to ensure a clean and safe environment.

Proper ventilation of your drain lines is part of maintaining proper drainage. Below are some of the signs that you have poorly vented lines.

Foul Odors

Drains on the toilet and sink have built-in traps that hold a small amount of water after draining. The water serves as a seal to prevent gas and odors to escape from the drainage which creates bad smells. So, if there will be no air pressure, water will evaporate, and thus no blockage in the drainage system.

Slow Drainage

This is the most common sign when you have a poorly vented drainage line. Once you notice that water is slowly flowing from the bathroom sink, then the problem is related to inadequate venting. If the drains emptied slowly, this indicates clogging along the lines.

No Water Refills

If the toilet does not refill after you flushed it, then the possible cause could also be the vents. There should be enough pressure on the drain lines so that the bowl or the tank can flow smoothly, which results in a consistent water refill.  

Toilet Problems And How To Fix Them

Toilet bowl in modern bathroom interior

A toilet has two parts: the bowl and the upper tank. The bowl is a solid piece of material made of porcelain that rests alone on the floor.

On the other hand, the part that holds the water is the upper tank. The water inside is released every time someone flushes it. The tank is also where the handle is located. The tank is where most toilet issues happen.

If the problems below are happening with your toilet, do not delay in addressing them.

Broken Toilet Seat

Broken toilet seat

Replacing a toilet seat with a new one is an easy job. You just have to set it in place and fix the nuts. On the other hand, removing old toilet seats can be frustrating. Sometimes the bolts are so rusted that you cannot unscrew the nuts. Here is a solution:

  1. Locate first the screw which secures the toilet seat. If the nuts or bolts are made of plastic, they will not get rusty and will come off easily.
  2. Open the cover to expose the bolt, and unscrew them using pliers while holding the nut under the pliers.

Moist Toilet

During summer, the weather is humid. If you do not have an air conditioning unit, you will probably notice a “sweaty” toilet. Condensation takes place outside the toilet tank. This can drip down to the floor and make a mess that rots your floor over time.

Consider insulating the inside of the toilet tank to remedy this condensation issue.

Running Toilet Water

Detail of flushing running water toilet flush
Toilet bowl in modern bathroom interior

This toilet problem will drive you crazy. Whether you hear a cycle of running water or water running consistently from time to time, we will help you solve this issue.

  1. Look for the fill valve leak while flushing the toilet.
  2. To check if the water stops, raise the float arm while the water is filling the tank.
  3. Adjust or bend the float arm so it will stop filling.
  4. If it leaks, then you should replace it with a new one.

Toilet With Bubbles

Transparent clean water with air bubbles in white toilet bowl

If you notice a rise in air bubbles in your toilet, except when you flush it or when the water rises and falls, then perhaps your toilet is not well vented, or it may be clogged.  

This toilet problem applies to your appliances such as washing machines. The drain line gasps for air. Think about it—when you pour condensed milk from a can, you should have a second opening to let it flow evenly.

This is true for a plumbing vent pipe. As the water flows to the drain, the air should have equal pressure to go through the drain line.

This is what the venting system is. If you have a poor drain line, the water being rushed down to the drain will pull back water from the neighboring P-traps. The P-trap is basically the drain.

If this problem just started, it is because of the clogged drain, and the plumbing vent pipe should be repaired. Since the water in the toilet is gurgling or dropping, the problem is within that area.

Unfortunately, this problem is hard to fix. It requires plumbing experience and should be repaired with a professional hand.

The Toilet Does Not Flush

Hand press and flush toilet

Once the toilet performance is weak and there are no clogs or any kind of malfunctions, then there is a simple remedy for that.

Some plumbers overlook taking off the temporary plug after a pressure test. They are placed at the top of the vent pipe, which can be found on your roof. There should be a rubber cap on the vent. So, climb up your roof and take it off. Use a screwdriver and scratch off the pieces until the toilet works.

If you tried that solution and found out that it is not the problem, then you have an obstructed toilet. Call your plumber so they can fix the problem.

You may want to use this on your next repair. 

Benefits Of Replacing The Toilet

There are myriad signs that indicate that it's time to replace your old toilet—it clogs most of the time, is costly, uses too much water, and a lot more. Here are some of the advantages of replacing your toilet.

Prevents Potential Plumbing Emergencies

It will be a tough job for you when you keep on plunging your toilet now and then due to clogs. It will be a strain on the pipes and fixtures.

However, leaks are not the only problem here. You need to replace your piping if the problem persists, otherwise, you will find yourself calling your plumber for emergency repairs and cleaning. This may be prevented when you replace that bad toilet.

Preventing Flooding

Another advantage of replacing your toilet is that you can prevent possible flooding in your area. Old toilets are at risk for wear and tear, which can turn into a massive mess. Cracks, leaks, and other toilet-related problems can create a flood-prone area. Yet, you can avoid this by replacing that old one with a new one.

Trendy Bathroom

 Toilets of today have countless designs, from classic to modern or from space-saver toilets to a grandiose style.  

If you consider replacing your toilet for some other reason, choose a toilet that will best suit your bathroom. In this way, you can create a more aesthetic look which will increase your home’s value.

Saves You Money

If you have a toilet that is older than you, then you have not upgraded to a water-saver toilet. That said, you will be using an old model and a lot of water. By switching to a new model toilet, you can help conserve water and reduce your water bill.

There are new models today that offer the most effective toilet when it comes to saving water.

Check this modern toilet on Amazon.

Is Rebuilding A Toilet The Best Option?

Are you still wondering if you should replace or rebuild your toilet? There are several good reasons why rebuilding your toilet is a good option:

  • Toilet still looks good and functioning. It still flushes, and you have had no problems since you bought it.
  • The toilet fits your bathroom; you don’t have any discomfort when using it.
  • Rebuild is better than buying a new toilet. It is a cost-effective way and your best alternative to spending your hard-earned cash.
  • You are lucky when you have cast iron drain pipes in your house.

Take note that cast iron drain pipes last longer. There is no need for you to replace those old ones because it is still sturdy. An expert wouldn’t suggest a replacement unless the old one is broken.

In Closing

Once you suspect any problems with your toilet, do not wait for the time that it will cause severe damage. Check the issue and call your plumber so they can provide solutions.

Investing in a new toilet is a great decision so that you can cut all the repair costs and difficult chores in the long run. As an alternative, you can rebuild the toilet as long as it functions properly.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might want to read other related posts: 

Small Bubbles In Toilet After Flushing - What's Wrong?

How To Clean Toilet Siphons

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