To be honest with you, a blocked toilet is one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems that homeowners face. Not only does it cause inconvenience and unpleasant odours, but it can also lead to water damage, health hazards, and costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to understand what causes a blocked toilet, how to prevent it, and how to fix it.
What Causes a Blocked Toilet?
There are many factors that can contribute to a blocked toilet, but some of the most common ones are:
- Low water pressure: If the water pressure in your pipes is too low, it may not be able to flush away the waste and paper effectively, resulting in a clog.
- Faulty plumbing: If your pipes are old, damaged, or poorly installed, they may have cracks, leaks, or bends that obstruct the flow of water and waste.
- Excessive toilet paper use: If you use too much toilet paper, or if you use paper that is not designed for flushing, such as wipes, napkins, or tissues, you may end up with a blockage in your toilet or sewer line.
- Foreign objects: If you or your children accidentally flush something that is not meant to go down the toilet, such as toys, hair, dental floss, or sanitary products, you may cause a serious blockage that requires professional removal.
- Tree roots: If you have trees near your property, their roots may grow into your pipes and cause cracks, leaks, or blockages. This can happen even if the trees are not directly above your pipes, as roots can travel long distances in search of water and nutrients.
How to Prevent a Blocked Toilet?
The best way to prevent a blocked toilet is to avoid putting anything in it that does not belong there. Here are some tips to follow:
- Use less toilet paper: Try to use only the amount of toilet paper that you need, and avoid flushing multiple times. You can also switch to a thinner or more biodegradable paper that dissolves faster in water.
- Dispose of sanitary products properly: Do not flush tampons, pads, diapers, or any other sanitary products down the toilet, as they can expand and get stuck in the pipes. Instead, wrap them in a plastic bag and throw them in the bin.
- Install a bidet: A bidet is a device that sprays water to clean your private parts after using the toilet. It can reduce your toilet paper use and improve your hygiene. You can install a bidet attachment to your existing toilet, or buy a new toilet with a built-in bidet.
- Keep foreign objects away from the toilet: Educate your children and guests about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet, and keep a bin or a basket nearby for disposing of non-flushable items. You can also install a toilet lock or a lid to prevent curious toddlers from throwing things in the toilet.
- Maintain your pipes: Regularly inspect your pipes for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage, and fix them as soon as possible. You can also use a drain cleaner or a plunger to clear any minor clogs or debris in your pipes.
How to Fix a Blocked Toilet?
If you have a blocked toilet, you may be able to fix it yourself, or you may need to call a plumber, depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Here are some methods that you can try:
- Plunger: A plunger is a simple and effective tool that can clear most clogs in your toilet. To use it, fill the toilet bowl with enough water to cover the plunger head, then place it over the drain and push and pull it vigorously until the water drains. You may need to repeat this several times until the blockage is cleared.
- Snake: A snake, also known as an auger, is a flexible metal wire that can reach deep into your pipes and break up or pull out the blockage. To use it, insert the end of the snake into the toilet drain and twist it until you feel some resistance, then pull it back and forth until the blockage is loosened or removed. You may need to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any splashes or debris.
- Hydro-jetting: Hydro-jetting is a method that uses high-pressure water to blast away the blockage and clean the pipes. It is usually done by a professional plumber, as it requires special equipment and expertise. To use it, the plumber inserts a hose with a nozzle into the toilet drain and shoots water at a speed of up to 4000 psi, dislodging the blockage and flushing it away. Hydro-jetting is effective for removing stubborn clogs, such as tree roots, grease, or scale.
Other Methods
CCTV inspection: CCTV inspection is a method that uses a camera attached to a cable to inspect the inside of your pipes and locate the blockage. It is also done by a professional plumber, as it requires advanced technology and skills. To use it, the plumber inserts the cable into the toilet drain and feeds it through the pipes, while watching the live video feed on a monitor. CCTV inspection can help diagnose the cause and extent of the blockage, and determine the best course of action.
Trenchless repair: Trenchless repair is a method that repairs or replaces your pipes without digging up your yard or driveway. It is also done by a professional plumber, as it requires specialized tools and techniques. To use it, the plumber creates a small access hole at each end of the damaged pipe, and inserts a new pipe or a liner through the old pipe, using a hydraulic device or a bursting head. Trenchless repair can restore your pipes to their original condition, or even improve them, without causing any disruption to your property.
Key Takeaway
A blocked toilet is a common plumbing problem that can have various causes, such as low water pressure, faulty plumbing, excessive toilet paper use, foreign objects, or tree roots.
To prevent it, you should avoid flushing anything that does not belong in the toilet, use less toilet paper, dispose of sanitary products properly, install a bidet, and maintain your pipes. To fix it, you can try using a plunger, a snake, or a hydro-jet, or call a plumber to perform a CCTV inspection or a trenchless repair.
At Splash and Gas, we have the experience and expertise to handle any blocked toilet situation. We use the latest technology and equipment to diagnose and solve your plumbing problems quickly and efficiently. Whether you need a simple plunger, a powerful hydro-jet, or a trenchless repair, we can do it for you.
We recently helped a customer in North Fremantle who had a blocked toilet due to tree roots invading their pipes. Also, we performed a CCTV inspection to locate the blockage, and then used a hydro-jet to clear it. We also installed a new pipe liner to prevent any future damage from the roots. The customer was very happy with the result and thanked us for our prompt and professional service.
If you have a blocked toilet, or any other plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available 24/7 and offer free quotes and competitive prices. We are your trusted and reliable plumbing company in Perth.
