Author: Al Coronado Plumbing

Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running? This plumbing mishap is more common than you think.

As Tucson’s toilet repairs and installation experts, our team at Al Coronado Plumbing explains why this happens and what you can do to fix it. Call us at (520) 834-8400 when you need help with a bubbling toilet. 

Plumbing Basics

The plumbing system in your home consists of water feed pipes, waste drain pipes, and a gas and air plumbing vent. These components rely on a balance of gravity, air pressure, and water pressure to work properly.

Your home’s pipes provide your plumbing fixtures with both an inflow and outflow of water. Problems within the system will manifest in your toilet, sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. If the water inflow pipe leading to your bathroom has an issue, you might notice signs of a problem in both your shower and toilet.

Why Is My Toilet Bubbling When the Shower Is Running?

A bubbling toilet means that there is a problem somewhere in your waste drain line. Your toilet may make gurgling sounds when your shower runs because these fixtures drain and vent through one line, also known as wet venting.  

The blockage can either be in your drain or the vent stack. Clogged drain lines can force negative air pressure back up the system and release through your toilet. They can also create a vacuum effect, which can suck air down through your toilet’s P-tap, resulting in a gurgling noise.

A blockage in your vent stack traps air within your pipes. Vents release air from your plumbing system, so when this isn’t possible, the air must travel through another pathway. In this instance, air pressure makes its way from your vent stack to your toilet’s drain and bubbles out.

How to Fix a Bubbling Toilet

To fix a bubbling toilet, you have to remove the blockage in your plumbing system. Depending on where the clog is, you may not be able to solve the problem on your own. 

If your vent stack is the source of the blockage, you’ll need to inspect the rooftop vent and remove any visible leaves or debris in it. If the clog is further down, let a plumbing professional inspect the area. 

Similarly, a clog within your drain lines can be complex to remove. Call an expert to take care of any clogs. Only professional plumbers have the skills to remove the clog without creating further damage to the system. 

Consider a Toilet Upgrade

Residential toilet water usage accounts for 30% of homeowners’ water bills. In addition to troubleshooting any clogs in your plumbing system, you may want to consider upgrading your toilet to mitigate future problems. 

Call Professional Plumbers for Toilet Issues

If you find yourself wondering, “why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running,” it’s time to bring in a professional plumber. At Al Coronado Plumbing, we can explain the types of toilet flush systems available, their benefits, and if upgrading is a smart choice for your home. Contact Al Coronado Plumbing at (520) 834-8400 to schedule an emergency service.

If you need plumbing tips for winter, look no further than our expert plumbers in Tucson. At Al Coronado Plumbing, we put together a short list of tips to keep your home plumbing system working like a charm all season. Call us at (520) 834-8400 to schedule an appointment with us.

Read on to learn how to protect your plumbing during the cold season.

Tip #1: Remove Your Garden Hose

You can easily forget your garden hose exists during the winter. But before you do, make sure you detach it from the wall. During extreme cold, any remaining water in the hose will freeze, creating more pressure in your plumbing system.

When pressure builds up, the flow rate can skyrocket. This puts more wear and tear on the whole system. Eventually, seals or pipes may burst, causing dire consequences for your home.

When you remove and store your garden hoses, you avoid destructive consequences.  

Tip #2: Flush Your Hot Water Supply

Arizona has hard water containing lots of minerals. When water sits in your water heater, the heating and cooling process causes some minerals to separate. As a result, it builds up in the tank. 

When you flush your water heater, you prolong its lifespan, improve the way it works, and increase its efficiency. This applies to tankless water heaters as well. If you live in Tucson and aren’t sure how to do this, call us for help. 

Tip #3: Run the Heat When You Travel

You probably want to increase your energy savings during the hottest and coldest seasons of the year. As such, you might think it makes sense to turn your heat off completely when you travel. It can’t hurt when you’re visiting your family for the holidays, right?

Wrong! You should leave your heat on when traveling.

When you leave the heat off for days, your HVAC system works harder to reheat your home. Additionally, your plumbing system remains vulnerable to freezing pipes. You’ll find it safer and more energy-efficient to keep your heat running at a lower temperature during your travels.  

Tip #4: Let Your Faucets Drip

One of the most common plumbing tips for winter still deserves repeating. Let your faucets drip, especially when frigid temps head your way. When you allow cold water to drip from each faucet, you prevent ice from forming in your pipes. 

When ice forms, it blocks water flow and dangerously increases pressure throughout your house’s plumbing. Even a slow, steady drip keeps your pipes from bursting in below-freezing temperatures. Discover other reasons why pipes burst in Arizona winters.

Call Us for Any Plumbing Emergency 

As a Tucson resident, you may forget some of these plumbing tips for winter. Local temperatures rarely drop below freezing. However, our plumbing experts wanted to give you a friendly reminder in the event frigid temperatures do arrive. 

Whether dealing with a burst pipe or any other plumbing emergency, call our Al Coronado Plumbing team at (520) 834-8400. Plumbing emergencies can’t wait. So when you need us, we’ll be there. 

If your sink or shower won’t drain, you probably have two main questions: why did my drain clog, and how can I fix the clogged drain quickly without spending a lot of money? For help with the toughest clogs, call Al Coronado Plumbing, the experienced plumbers in Tucson, Arizona.

Causes of Clogged Drains

Every clogged drain is different. A professional can help you identify the cause of the clog and recommend ways to fix it.

Cooking Grease

Cooking grease is a common source of clogs. It can seem like a liquid when it goes down the drain, but it quickly solidifies in the pipes.

Hair 

Hare is a persistent problem with shower drains. Humans naturally shed a small amount of hair regularly, and long hair can form particularly troublesome clogs in the drain.

Food Products

Some food products will break down over time. Others, such as bones and eggshells, will stay in drains and accumulate with other drain-clogging materials, causing kitchen sinks to back up.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common cause of clogged drains. In winter, the pipes can become cold enough to freeze even in warmer climates. If water sits in a cold pipe for hours, it could freeze solid, producing an ice dam that stops water from getting through.

Wipes and Tissues

Toilet clogs often happen when people flush facial tissues and “flushable” wet wipes down the toilet. Toilet paper breaks down in the water and is safe to flush. Other paper products can mix with other waste and clog up the plumbing. If your bathroom or shower sink won’t drain, it could be from toilet waste clogging up your bathroom plumbing.

Obstructions

Branches, animal nests, and other obstructions block the drain lines. These can be difficult to remove and generally require a plumbing professional.

Solutions for Stubborn Clogs

If you are having trouble with stubborn or repeated clogs, try these tips to get rid of the clog using simple tools that won’t damage your pipes. If DIY remedies don’t work or if you want to save yourself time and hassle, call a professional plumber you can trust.

Hot Water

The first step is to pour hot water down the drain and give it time to permeate the clog. 

Plunging

Using a plunger designed for the correct type of drain, submerge the plunger head to form a tight seal before plunging. Use the plunger to generate suction to dislodge the clog.

Snaking

Clogged drains could yield to snaking. Drain snakes go inside the drain pipe to physically break up the clog.

Gentle Cleaners

If other methods fail, resist the urge to use commercial drain cleaning products because they can damage your pipes to the point where you have to replace them. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

Trust Al Coronado Plumbing for Plumbing Solutions

Al Coronado Plumbing uses the best equipment and time-tested techniques to fix clogged drains properly. We help our clients understand and respond to all kinds of plumbing problems. Learn why you’re experiencing low water pressure at home by calling (520) 834-8400 to speak with a professional plumber today.

Low water pressure in your shower is one thing. The limited water force takes longer to fill your tub, doesn’t create a strong flow from the showerhead, and leaves your hair lifeless after a wash. But when low water pressure extends to other parts of your home, it also takes longer to fill dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, and toilets. 

Low water pressure in households is usually a job for the professionals since the problems run deeper than changing the fixtures. Al Coronado Plumbing has expert plumbers in Tuscon, AZ, capable of five-star repairs within one visit. Trust us to remedy your water pressure that could originate from the following concerns.

Mineral Deposits That Clog Pipes

When you notice dirty water slowly going down your shower or sink drain, your first instinct is to clear away hair or other items. Just like blockages bar the water drainage, mineral deposits in your plumbing fixtures occur over time, clogging pipes. 

Limescale and other minerals originate from calcium and magnesium from hard water. It leaves less room for water flow and requires replacement piping. While it’s normal to notice low water pressure in household fixtures over 40 years, frequent buildup means you may need a water softener to protect your pipes.

Failing Pressure Regulator

Another reason for poor water pressure is a faulty water control valve. While not all homes have this pressure regulator, the ones that do use it to monitor how much water comes through the pipes. It keeps the pipes safe from too much pressure that could cause leaks, cracks, and split seams throughout the piping system.

However, misreadings, stress, and aging are common issues that cause pressure regulators to fluctuate or fail. It creates high or low-pressured water with little warning.

A professional will test your pressure regulator by attaching it to a pressure gauge and checking the flow of water. The flow should have a pressure of 75 pounds per square inch. 

Semi-Closed Water Meter Valve

Each home has two main shutoff valves that the water company controls, including the water meter valve. This valve either sits on an outer wall of your home or an underground box. It can restrict water flow to your household once turned off.

This valve should remain untouched. However, if you’ve had a contractor recently conduct household or plumbing repairs, they may have turned it off and didn’t fully reopen it. 

Check to ensure the valve handle is parallel to the water pipe. If slanted, it is only partially open, causing low water pressure in household plumbing.

The #1 Choice in Tuscon, AZ

While the above are common concerns contributing to low water pressure, other causes also have residents calling the #1 plumbing company in the state. We have over 1,000 five-star reviews because our experienced team gets the job done right the first time. 

Have questions for emergency plumbers or want to know other reasons for low water pressure in your house? Call Al Coronado Plumbing at (520) 834-8400 today for a free consultation in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding areas!

Some forms of technology are easy for people to follow. Companies advertise new phones and computers, but no one seems to promote new toilet technology.

As a plumbing contractor in Tucson, we see new toilet technology as it comes out. There are several types of toilet flush systems that manufacturers have released over the years, and here are eight of them.

1. Gravity Flush Systems

A gravity flush toilet is probably the one you have in your home. These toilets utilize water tanks on top of the toilet bowl to flush solid and liquid waste. These are the most common toilets, and plumbers love them.

They often clog from too much solid waste but are easy to unclog if necessary.

2. Pressure-Assisted Flush Systems

Pressurized flush systems are the ones you see in public buildings, airports, or malls. These toilets build up air and water inside the tanks, which the user can release quickly with a button or lever press. The pressurized water fires with a loud whoosh, cleaning the bowl and flushing waste away.

3. Dual Toilet Systems

Manufacturers designed a few new types of toilet flush systems to combat the growing water-use crisis. These are like most gravity-fed toilets but have two flush options. One uses more water while another uses less.

4. Washdown Toilet Systems

Washdown toilets are like gravity-flush toilets but have shorter bowls and wider trapways that allow more waste. These are highly efficient and compact toilets that work well in many applications.

5. Siphon Flush Systems

Siphonic systems use a combination of gravity-powered flushes and water currents to flush waste. These toilets pull water through the system, which siphons waste down and away through the tramways. These toilets are quiet and have a high water level that keeps odors out.

6. Rear Flush Systems

Rear-flush toilets use standard methods of water movement, but the similarities end there. These toilets have a grinder at the end of the trapway that grinds and quickly disperses waste when it flushes, making them highly efficient.

7. Flapper-Flush Valve Systems

These are the most common toilets used in hotels and are an older style. These toilets use a rubber flapper to stop a tank of water, which releases when you flush the toilet. They aren’t the most efficient toilets, but they are the most straightforward toilets to repair when necessary.

8. Ballcock Flush Systems

These systems use technology found in the carburetors of small engines. A rod with a ball floats atop the water level, which controls the amount of water in the system. When you flush, it releases a plunger at the bottom of the tank that releases the water.

At Al Coronado Plumbing, we focus on more than just the different types of toilet flush systems. We love providing quality service for our clients and believe in being there for them when plumbing disasters strike. Read on in our blog to learn how to deal with burst water pipes in your home.

If you have more questions about different toilet systems or have a plumbing emergency, call Al Coronado Plumbing at (520) 834-8400.

Homeowners face many causes of a water pipe burst in their house. With Arizona’s freezing nighttime temperatures, your pipes can burst. If you suspect you have this problem, our plumbing experts stand ready to help you to learn whether you have a burst pipe and what you can do to fix it. 

A premier Tucson plumbing company like Al Coronado Plumbing can help if you have a burst pipe or another plumbing problem. Read on to determine if you have a burst pipe, then call us for further help at 520-834-8400.

How To Determine if You Have a Burst Water Pipe

Pipes can burst under your home’s foundation and elsewhere. Look for signs like faucets sputtering, no or low water pressure, a flooded basement, dirty water, or sewage smells indoors or outdoors. 

Without a quick, effective repair, cracked, broken, or burst pipes cause significant water damage and mold growth. If you have a burst water pipe, one of the following solutions can help resolve the problem. 

1. Turn Off Water Mains

The most important thing to do is turn off the main water flow. The last thing you need is more water after a pipe burst. Find the water shutoff valve and stop the flow until deemed safe to turn the water back on.

Don’t forget to drain excess water from the faucets to relieve water pressure. Now, you can begin temporary solutions until a professional can reach your location.

2. Contact a Professional Tucson Plumbing Company 

If a water pipe bursts in your home, you’ll need to contact professionals immediately. They’ll inspect your plumbing system, locate the source of the leak, and make effective repairs to prevent additional damage. 

3. Try a Temporary Fix

You can apply various temporary fixes to an exposed water pipe burst in your house. You’ll need to allow the frozen pipe to thaw with warm air.

Repair sleeves fit tightly around pipes to prevent water from leaking out further. Clamping rubber against the damaged area can also stop the leak temporarily. 

4. Clean Up Water

Water damage begins quickly with a burst pipe. Significant damage can result in structural problems, damaged possessions, and harmful mold growth. 

Some water damage is unavoidable, but you can reduce its effects. After stopping the water supply from flowing, dry all wet surfaces and seek additional mold remediation if necessary.

Get Top Plumbing Help in Tucson

If you live in Tucson or the surrounding areas and suspect you have a frozen water pipe burst in the house, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber like Al Coronado Plumbing. We offer fast, effective, and reliable plumbing services. 

With our transparent business operation, high-quality equipment, and prompt response, we’ll help you navigate plumbing problems of all kinds, including burst pipes. Learn more tips on how to keep your plumbing in good condition this summer, then contact us for service. 

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing in Tucson, AZ, for a burst pipe repair and other urgent needs. Call our friendly licensed plumbers at 520-834-8400 today.