Dealing with a blocked toilet emergencies is no one’s idea of a good time, but it’s a problem that many of us will face at some point. Whether it’s a simple clog or something more serious, knowing how to tackle the issue can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

We’ll explain how to deal with a blocked toilet emergencies, including the common causes of blocked toilets, the DIY tips to fix minor blockages, and the signs to call a plumber for serious blockages.

Common Causes of Blocked Toilets Emergencies

A blocked toilet can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Flushing inappropriate items: One of the most common causes of blocked toilets is flushing items that are not meant to be flushed, such as paper towels, wipes, diapers, sanitary products, cotton buds, or dental floss. These items do not dissolve or break down in water, and can clog up the pipes or the trap of the toilet.
• Children’s toys: Another common cause of blocked toilets is children’s toys, such as balls, dolls, cars, or Lego. Children may accidentally or intentionally flush their toys down the toilet, either out of curiosity or mischief. These toys can get stuck in the pipes or the trap of the toilet, and prevent the water from flowing through.
• Tree roots: A less common but more serious cause of blocked toilets is tree roots, especially in older homes with clay pipes. Tree roots can grow into the pipes through cracks or joints, and form a dense mass that blocks the water flow. Tree roots can also damage the pipes, causing leaks or bursts.

DIY Tips to Fix Minor Blockages

If your toilet is blocked by a minor blockage, such as a small amount of paper or a soft toy, you may be able to fix it yourself, using some simple tools and methods, such as:

• Plungers: A plunger is a tool that creates suction and pressure to dislodge the blockage. To use a plunger, you need to fill the toilet bowl with enough water to cover the plunger head, and then place the plunger over the drain hole. You then need to push and pull the plunger handle vigorously, until you hear a gurgling sound or see the water level drop. You may need to repeat this process several times, until the blockage is cleared.
• Drain snakes: A drain snake is a tool that consists of a long flexible wire with a corkscrew tip, that can reach into the pipes and break up or pull out the blockage. To use a drain snake, you need to insert the tip of the snake into the drain hole, and then turn the handle to rotate the snake. You then need to push the snake further into the pipe, until you feel some resistance or hear a scraping sound. You then need to pull the snake back out, along with the blockage. You need to repeat this process several times, until the blockage is cleared.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that can create a chemical reaction that can dissolve or loosen the blockage. To use baking soda and vinegar, you need to pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by a cup of vinegar. You then need to wait for about 15 minutes, until the mixture stops fizzing. You then need to flush the toilet, and see if the blockage is cleared. You may need to repeat this process several times, until the blockage is cleared.

Signs to Call a Plumber for Serious Blockages

If a serious blockage, like a large amount of paper, a hard toy, or a tree root, blocks your toilet, you might not be able to fix it yourself and might need to call a plumber for professional help. Some of the signs that indicate a serious blockage are:

• Overflowing water: If the water level in the toilet bowl rises above the rim, and spills over the floor, you have a serious blockage that needs to be cleared as soon as possible. Overflowing water can cause water damage, mold growth, and health hazards.
• Foul smells: If you smell a foul or rotten odor coming from the toilet, you have a serious blockage that needs to be cleared as soon as possible. Foul smells can indicate that the blockage is causing sewage or waste to back up in the pipes, which can pose a health risk.
• Sewage backup: If you see sewage or waste coming out of the toilet, the shower, the sink, or the floor drain, you have a serious blockage that needs to be cleared as soon as possible. Sewage backup can indicate that the blockage is affecting the main sewer line, which can affect the whole plumbing system of your home.

If you notice any of these signs, you should not attempt to fix the blockage yourself, as you may cause more damage or injury. You should also not use the toilet or any other plumbing fixtures, as you may worsen the situation. You should call a plumber immediately, and let them handle the blockage professionally.

How We Helped a Customer in Rossmoyne Solve Their Blocked Toilet Emergencies Problem with Our Professional Plumbing Service

At Splash and Gas, we are experts in plumbing and gas services, including blocked toilet emergencies solutions. We have the skills, equipment, and experience to handle any blocked toilet problem, big or small. We also have the passion, creativity, and customer service to make your plumbing and gas dreams come true.

Struggling with a blocked toilet, a Rossmoyne resident reached out to us after their own attempts to resolve the issue proved futile. Despite their best efforts with a plunger and a drain snake, the blockage remained stubbornly in place. The rising water level in the toilet bowl, coupled with an unpleasant odor, signaled a serious problem that required professional intervention.

Recognizing the urgency, our team at Splash and Gas responded promptly. Within an hour, we were on-site, ready to assess the situation. Our investigation revealed that an accumulation of paper towels had caused the blockage, affecting not just the toilet but the main sewer line as well.

Employing our state-of-the-art tools, including a CCTV camera and a high-pressure water jet, we swiftly located and eliminated the blockage. Our comprehensive approach didn’t stop there; we proceeded to clean and repair the pipes, ensuring the restoration of proper water flow and pressure. A thorough testing of the toilet followed, confirming its proper and safe operation.

The customer’s relief was palpable as they celebrated the restored functionality of their plumbing system. They commended our team’s professionalism, efficiency, and the high quality of our work. Our friendly and informative service also earned their appreciation, as we provided valuable advice on preventing future blockages. Overjoyed with the resolution, the customer expressed their intention to recommend Splash and Gas to others facing similar plumbing dilemmas.

Conclusion

A blocked toilet emergencies is a common and annoying plumbing problem that can happen in any home. Various factors, such as flushing inappropriate items, children’s toys, or tree roots, can cause a blocked toilet. Similarly, you can fix a blocked toilet using various methods, including plungers, drain snakes, or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

However, some blockages are too serious to be fixed by yourself, and require professional intervention. If you notice signs such as overflowing water, foul smells, or sewage backup, you should call a plumber as soon as possible, and let them handle the blockage professionally. At Splash and Gas, we offer our professional plumbing service, as an alternative option that may suit your needs and preferences better.

We have the expertise and experience to handle any blocked toilet problem, and we have the passion and creativity to make your plumbing and gas dreams come true. Contact us today and let us help you solve your blocked toilet problem with our professional plumbing service.