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Step 4 · Snake the Branch Drain Line

Since the gurgle persists when other fixtures are used, the clog is likely in the branch drain line beyond the toilet. To access this, you must remove the toilet. First, turn off the water supply using the shutoff valve behind the toilet. Flush it to drain the tank and bowl. Use a sponge and bucket to remove any remaining water. Disconnect the supply line from the tank. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts from the closet bolts at the toilet's base. Gently rock the toilet to break the wax seal and lift it straight up. Set it aside on an old towel. Now, feed a medium drain snake (25-50 ft) into the exposed drain pipe in the floor. Push the snake in until you feel resistance, then lock the cable and turn the crank to work through the blockage. You may need to move it back and forth. Retrieve the snake, cleaning it as you go. This should clear the shared line.

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Step 4 · Snake the Branch Drain Line

Since the gurgle persists when other fixtures are used, the clog is likely in the branch drain line beyond the toilet. To access this, you must remove the toilet. First, turn off the water supply using the shutoff valve behind the toilet. Flush it to drain the tank and bowl. Use a sponge and bucket to remove any remaining water. Disconnect the supply line from the tank. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts from the closet bolts at the toilet's base. Gently rock the toilet to break the wax seal and lift it straight up. Set it aside on an old towel. Now, feed a medium drain snake (25-50 ft) into the exposed drain pipe in the floor. Push the snake in until you feel resistance, then lock the cable and turn the crank to work through the blockage. You may need to move it back and forth. Retrieve the snake, cleaning it as you go. This should clear the shared line.

Tools and Materials

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How to Diagnose and Fix a Gurgling Toilet

Step 4 of 6·2.1 hr left

Observe and Test Fixtures
5 mins2 itemsBeginner
Plunge the Toilet
10 mins4 itemsIntermediate
Clear with a Toilet Auger
15 mins4 itemsIntermediate
4
Snake the Branch Drain Line
60 mins8 items
5
Check and Clear the Plumbing Vent Stack
45 mins4 items
6
Reinstall Toilet and Final Test
20 mins4 itemsAdvanced
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