How to Handle a Blocked Toilet: Professional Tips and Services
If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged toilet, you know it’s no joke. It’s a messy, unpleasant issue that can turn your bathroom from a peaceful retreat into a disaster. But don’t worry—we’re here to help get things back to normal!
We’ve encountered every type of blocked toilet situation. Here, we’ll share some top tips to help you handle the problem and let you know when to call the experts.
Common Causes Of A Blocked Toilet
Before we discuss solutions, let’s consider why toilets become blocked. Understanding the cause can help prevent future problems.
Common culprits include:
- Too much toilet paper
- Flushing non-flushable items (like wet wipes, cotton buds, or sanitary products)
- The build-up of mineral deposits in older pipes
- Tree roots invading underground pipes
- Foreign objects
DIY Solutions: Give These A Go
When you’re faced with a blocked toilet, try these methods before calling a plumber:
The Trusty Plunger
A plunger is your first line of defence against a blocked toilet. Here’s how to use it properly:?
- Ensure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger head
- Place the plunger over the toilet bowl’s outlet hole
- Push down firmly, then pull up sharply
- Repeat this motion several times
If lucky, this will dislodge the blockage, and your toilet will flush normally.
Hot Water and Dishwashing Liquid
If the plunger doesn’t work, try this:
- Pour a big squirt of dishwashing liquid into the toilet bowl
- Follow it with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water
- Let it sit for a few minutes
- Try flushing
The soap can help break down fatty substances; the hot water might shift the blockage.
Bicarb Soda and Vinegar
Remember those volcano experiments from primary school? The same reaction can help unblock your toilet:
- Pour 1 cup of bicarb soda into the toilet bowl
- Slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar after it
- Let it fizz for a few minutes
- Flush with hot water
The Toilet Brush Method
Sometimes, a bit of elbow grease is all you need:
- Put on some rubber gloves
- Use your toilet brush to push against the outlet hole
- Push and pull the brush quickly, like you’re plunging
- Flush to see if the water drains
When to Call the Professionals
Repeated Blockages
If your toilet keeps blocking up, your plumbing system might have a more severe problem.Multiple Blocked Fixtures
When your toilet, shower, and sink are all playing up, it could indicate a problem with your main sewer line.Foul Odours
Persistent bad smells from your drains might mean a hidden problem.Overflowing Toilet
If your toilet overflows every time you flush, stop using it and call us immediately to prevent water damage.Gurgling Sounds
Are you hearing gurgling noises from your toilet or drains? If so, it could indicate a nasty blockage that, if ignored, may lead to a complete drain backup.Slow Drainage
If your toilet drains very slowly, without a visible blockage, it could indicate a deeper issue within the pipes. Call us to prevent it from turning into a bigger problem.Visible Sewage
Sewage is a health hazard. If you see it backing up into your toilet or other drains, call us immediately to prevent contamination and potential damage to your home.Preventing Future Blockages
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some tips to keep your toilet flowing freely:
- Only flush the three Ps: Pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Everything else goes in the bin.
- Don’t use too much toilet paper: If you need a lot, flush halfway through to avoid overloading the system.
- Regular cleaning: Keep your toilet clean to prevent mineral build-up.
- Be careful with chemical cleaners: Harsh chemicals can damage your pipes over time. Use them sparingly.
- Consider a dual-flush system: These toilets use less water and can help prevent blockages.
- Watch what goes down other drains: Avoid pouring fats, oils, and food scraps down your kitchen sink, as these can contribute to blockages in your main sewer line.
- Regular maintenance: Consider regular plumbing maintenance, including cleaning your drains professionally every few years to prevent build-up.
Why Choose New Vision Plumbers?
We’re not just about unblocking toilets – we’re about providing top-notch service that’ll leave your plumbing in tip-top shape. Here’s why our customers keep coming back:
- Experienced professionals: Our team has years of experience. We’ve seen and done everything from unblocking toilets to whole bathroom renovations.
- Up-to-date technology: We invest in the latest plumbing technology to provide efficient, effective solutions.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise costs – we’ll give you a precise quote upfront.
- Clean and tidy: We’ll leave your home as clean as we found it – or cleaner!
- Friendly service: We’re here to help, not judge. No matter how embarrassing you think your plumbing problem is, we’ve seen worse!
We’re based in Mt. Eliza and proudly serve the entire area, from the Mornington Peninsula to Mordialloc. Getting in touch is easy—use our interactive online form, email us, or call us. The best part? We’re available 24/7. You can count on us to be just a call or message away.
