Quck answer
To remove air from toilet plumbing, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by closing the shut-off valve located behind or beneath the toilet tank.
2. Flush the toilet to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl.
3. Use a plunger to force air and any remaining water out of the toilet trap. Place the plunger over the drain hole and vigorously plunge up and down several times.
4. Open the shut-off valve to allow water back into the toilet tank.
5. Flush the toilet to check if the air has been successfully removed. If necessary, repeat the plunging process.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove air from toilet plumbing and restore proper functionality.
If you notice air bubbles in your toilet plumbing, it’s important to take immediate action. Usually, air in the toilet indicates a blockage of some kind. Removing the blockage and the air in the plumbing is a fairly simple process that most DIYers can handle.
How to Get Rid of Air in Toilet Plumbing
Step 1: Fill the Toilet Bowl
Fill the toilet bowl halfway. If the bowl is completely full and at risk of flooding, put on rubber gloves and use a cup to remove half of the water and any other contents into a bucket. If the bowl is completely empty, fill the bucket with water and use it to fill the toilet bowl halfway.
Step 2: Use a Toilet Plunger
Place the rim of the plunger over the drain hole in your toilet. You need to create a tight seal around the hole for the plunger to work effectively. Make sure it is securely connected all the way around.
Step 3: Plunge the Toilet
Rapidly push and pull the plunger handle up and down. Broadley’s Energy Solutions recommends 10 to 15 plunges. If you hear a whooshing noise from the water in the pipe as you plunge, it means that the seal is effective. If you only hear the water in the bowl moving, go back to Step 2. Once the water in the bowl drains, try flushing the toilet again. If it still backs up or bubbles, proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Use a Toilet Auger
Insert the guide tube of the toilet auger, also known as a closet auger or sewer snake, into the drain and turn the crank until it becomes tight in one direction. Then, turn it back in the opposite direction until it becomes tight again. Return it to the center position and remove the guide tube. If the water drains, try flushing again. If it still bubbles or backs up, repeat Steps 2 and 3. If the problem persists, move on to Step 5. Note that a manual auger is best for shallow clogs, while an electric auger is better for deep clogs within the pipe.
Step 5: Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn the valve on the water supply to the toilet clockwise until it is completely closed. Drain the toilet. If you can flush it, do so. If not, remove the tank lid and use a cup to siphon or bail out the water into a bucket. Do the same for the bowl.
Step 6: Remove the Toilet
Use an adjustable wrench to unbolt the toilet from the floor. Flip the toilet over and inspect the plumbing to identify the blockage. Clear it using the closet auger or rubber gloves. Also check the drain below the toilet in the floor and clear it with the gloves. You may need assistance to safely flip the toilet over.
Step 7: Install the Toilet
Place the toilet back on the floor, aligning the pipes with the drain in the floor. Bolt it back down using the wrench. Turn the water valve that supplies the toilet counterclockwise to reopen it, and then flush the toilet.
