|
02-28-2009, 10:48 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Floribama
4,576 posts, read 3,291,851 times
Reputation: 1531
|
|
Toilet water moves when the wind blows
I have noticed several times when it's very windy outside (tonight it's 30mph) that I can see the water in my toilets fluctuate up and down, it does it worse when there is a gust. What could cause this? I have a septic tank so I'm assuming the wind must influence it somehow. Maybe something to do with the pressure inside of it? 
I swear I'm not making this up. lol  |
|
02-28-2009, 10:50 PM
|
|
Senior Executive Assistant Member and Stuff
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Downtown Orlando, FL
439 posts, read 244,633 times
Reputation: 263
|
|
|
I haven't the faintest idea, but I gotta say.....doesn't sound good.....lol....
|
|
02-28-2009, 10:59 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Floribama
4,576 posts, read 3,291,851 times
Reputation: 1531
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovebdj
I haven't the faintest idea, but I gotta say.....doesn't sound good.....lol....
|
LOL, I'm not really concerned because I just had the tank pumped last summer and the toilets have never backed up that I can remember. I just think it's strange. |
|
02-28-2009, 11:24 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kemah Texas
7,590 posts, read 5,119,164 times
Reputation: 4030
|
|
|
On your roof there is a 4" vent stack. If you ever blow across a soda or beer bottle you can make that whistle sound right? That is kind of what happens when the wind blows across that vent stack. It will also create a little bit of a positive pressure on the water seal inside your bowl. There is a volume of water inside your bowl that performs the same function as a P trap under your sinks which is a water seal preventing sewer gases from entering the home. That little bit of positive pressure will cause the water to move ever so slightly in the bowl. That's the best I can explain it.
Nutty as it sounds......it's true.
No need to worry about anything. It can do no harm.
|
|
02-28-2009, 11:46 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Floribama
4,576 posts, read 3,291,851 times
Reputation: 1531
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by desertsun41
On your roof there is a 4" vent stack. If you ever blow across a soda or beer bottle you can make that whistle sound right? That is kind of what happens when the wind blows across that vent stack. It will also create a little bit of a positive pressure on the water seal inside your bowl. There is a volume of water inside your bowl that performs the same function as a P trap under your sinks which is a water seal preventing sewer gases from entering the home. That little bit of positive pressure will cause the water to move ever so slightly in the bowl. That's the best I can explain it.
Nutty as it sounds......it's true.
No need to worry about anything. It can do no harm.
|
I didn't even think about that vent up there. That's a good explanation.  |
|
03-01-2009, 12:14 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Under a bridge.
2,993 posts, read 808,517 times
Reputation: 727
|
|
|
I think it is my deceased ex-wife attempting to invade your home through the toilet. She is one of the un-dead now.
|
|
03-01-2009, 08:33 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Richmond, Tx
884 posts, read 440,391 times
Reputation: 779
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by southernnaturelover
I have noticed several times when it's very windy outside (tonight it's 30mph) that I can see the water in my toilets fluctuate up and down, it does it worse when there is a gust. What could cause this? I have a septic tank so I'm assuming the wind must influence it somehow. Maybe something to do with the pressure inside of it?
I swear I'm not making this up. lol |
Has everything to do with pressure and the vent stack. Its not a problem - its just science and nature having a go at ya!  |
|
03-01-2009, 01:00 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Western NY & Leesburg,Fl
1,650 posts, read 1,128,212 times
Reputation: 1080
|
|
|
The above posts are correct. It is just wind blowing across the vent pipe(s).
I'll just add that some folks have more then one vent pipe, they can be 1.5 inches to as large as 4 inches.
Bottom line...nothing to worry about.
Frank D.
__________________
Before posting, ask yourself, "Is it helpful, true, respectful, and in accordance with the TOS..?".....it IS that simple Folks......
|
|
03-01-2009, 11:03 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Lompoc,CA
603 posts, read 633,270 times
Reputation: 320
|
|
Ive seen this happen in a previous house. Havent noticed in our current
home. Guess I just havent been near the toilet when the wind blows,or
thought to look.
Greenchili |
|
03-02-2009, 06:43 AM
|
|
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us
Status:
"Having the time of my life. Ps 118:24"
(set 7 days ago)
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Suburban Chicago
3,508 posts, read 1,809,108 times
Reputation: 12851
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by faithfulFrank
The above posts are correct. It is just wind blowing across the vent pipe(s).
I'll just add that some folks have more then one vent pipe, they can be 1.5 inches to as large as 4 inches.
Bottom line...nothing to worry about.
Frank D.
|
Nothing to worry about until dcashley's ex comes swimming out and eats your brain.  |
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
|
|
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Linear Mode
