When it’s windy outside, you may notice that the water in your toilet will start moving around on its own. If this happens, you might ask yourself, “What does this mean?” Read on to discover what it means when your toilet water sloshes around.
How Wind Can Affect Your Plumbing
If you’re wondering how wind can cause your toilet water to move around so much, you’re not alone. Since most of your plumbing is underground, it doesn’t make sense how an above-ground phenomenon like wind can affect it. This strange effect occurs due to something called a vent pipe. All toilets have vent pipes that allow them to flush.
Typically, a vent pipe will go through your roof to vent outside. If the wind is especially strong near your vent pipe’s opening, it leads to rising air in the pipe, kind of like the suction from a vacuum.
Due to the pocket of low air pressure near the top of the vent pipe, the air will rise. The air in your vent pipe affects how your toilet flushes, so the water level will lower when the air rises.
The Difference Between a Vent Pipe and a Drainpipe
Let’s clear up some confusion for those who don’t know the difference between a drainpipe and a vent pipe. Drainpipes carry the waste from your plumbing fixtures to the local sewer or your septic tank. Your wastewater will flush down the drainpipe when you flush your toilet.
On the other hand, a vent pipe supplies air to your plumbing fixtures to allow the water to move. Without a vent pipe, the water would stay in one spot and clog your system.
Should You Be Worried?
You should know that it’s entirely normal for your toilet water to slosh around on a windy day. Once the wind subsides, your toilet water should go back to its normal level.
However, if your home uses a septic tank and you hear gurgling noises after your toilet finishes flushing, it could be a sign your home’s septic system is failing. Unexpected noises can definitely be a cause for concern, but if your home doesn’t have a septic tank, you don’t have to worry too much.
Overall, sloshing toilet water is a common occurrence on a windy day. You don’t always have to get your pipes checked if it happens. Now that you know what it means when your toilet water sloshes, you can rest easy knowing that your pipes are functioning as intended.
