GerardStruggling with a blocked toilet drain can be messy, inconvenient, and a bit embarrassing. They can cause unpleasant smells, overflowing water in the toilet bowl, water damage and be expensive to fix if left untreated. There are a few things you can do to gauge the severity of the blockage and decide whether the issue is worth calling a plumber. Let’s get into some reasons blockages happen and what we can do to fix them.
Signs your toilet drain is blocked
Water rises after flushing
The toilet drains slowly
Gurgling noises
Bad smells
Water backs up into nearby drains
Toilet overflows
Common causes of blocked toilet drains
Let’s be honest, nearly everyone at some point in their life has had to deal with a blocked toilet drain, but what actually causes the drains to clog like a sausage dog caught in a hoodie sleeve? It’s important to understand what causes blocked drains, as this can help us avoid the issue in the future.
Mountains of toilet paper
The classic, the overuse of toilet paper. Many of our toilets in Australia are water-saving, meaning less water sits in the bowl. If you predict you’ll need more than the average, try flushing a round at a time.
Non-flushable items
The only thing that should really be flushed is toilet paper and whatever you’ve used it for. A common culprit is baby wipes, sanitary napkins, kids’ toys, dental floss and cotton balls. Throw anything else in the bin instead.
Hard water deposits
Perth’s hard water causes calcium and magnesium deposits to build up in pipes, narrowing the passage and trapping whatever’s been flushed.
Tree roots
Tree roots can infiltrate drains and cause havoc. If the issue has been ongoing for a while, it’s best to call a plumber, especially for older properties.
Damaged, collapsed or poorly installed pipes
Older clay pipes can crack, shift due to ground movement, or collapse. Poorly angled pipes can also slow water flow and allow wastewater to accumulate.
Main sewer line blockages
If multiple fixtures are backing up at once, like the toilet, shower and floor drain, the problem is likely in the main sewer line rather than the toilet itself. This needs a plumber’s attention.
How to unblock a toilet drain
Alright, let’s get into what you’re all here for. Some causes, like tree roots and damaged pipes, will need a licensed plumber. But there are a few things worth trying yourself first.
Try using a flange plunger
The flange plunger is specifically designed for toilets, with an extended lip that a regular sink plunger doesn’t have.
Fill the bowl
Add enough water to cover the plunger’s head.
Position the plunger
Place it directly over the drain hole.
Push and pull
Push down gently to form a seal, then pull up to create suction. Repeat around 10 to 20 times. If the clog isn’t giving way, it might be time to call a plumber.
Try hot water and dish soap
Ordinary dishwashing liquid can help unblock a toilet, which is handy since most of us already have it at home. Add a quarter to half a cup of dishwashing liquid, then pour around 4 litres of hot water into the bowl. The mixture attacks the blockage as it’s denser than water. Leave it for around an hour while the soap lubricates the pipes and the warm water helps dissolve waste and toilet paper. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional, but at least the toilet will smell nice.
Try using a toilet auger
A toilet auger can reach deeper than a plunger and is often more effective. It features a flexible cable with a rotating handle and a protective rubber sleeve that prevents damage to the toilet.
Insert the auger
Insert the curved end into the toilet drain.
Crank forward
Crank the handle clockwise while pushing forward.
Feel for resistance
Continue until you feel resistance, that’s the blockage.
Rotate to break it up
Rotate several times to break up or hook onto the clog.
Extract the auger
Extract by turning the handle and pulling backward.
Flush to check
Flush to check if the clog has cleared. If not, try again, and if it still hasn’t cleared after a few attempts, it’s time to call a plumber.
When to give us a ring
If you’ve exhausted all the above, you’re probably frustrated by now after a couple of trips to Bunnings. We understand. This is why we’ve invested in advanced equipment, such as CCTV drain inspection cameras and high-pressure water jetting equipment, to locate the blocked toilet drain pipe. From our experience, recurring toilet blockages often indicate larger drainage issues that require specialised equipment.
Still blocked? Give GXR a ring
We’ll help you sort it, call 08 6374 9998
