A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re dealing with a blocked toilet, you’re not alone. This is a common plumbing problem that can happen to anyone.

It can be caused by a variety of things, including flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, an accumulation of toilet paper, or a buildup of mineral deposits.

Regardless of the cause, the result is the same: a toilet that won’t flush properly or at all.

When you’re faced with a blocked toilet, it’s important to know how to fix the problem.

While you may be tempted to try to unclog the toilet yourself, it’s often best to call in a professional plumber.

Plumbers like those in Plumber Warragul, have the experience, tools, and knowledge necessary to quickly and effectively fix the problem and get your toilet back to working order.

So, how do plumbers fix a blocked toilet?

Depending on the severity of the blockage and the cause, there are a few different methods that plumbers may use.

In some cases, they may use a plunger to try to dislodge the blockage.

In other cases, they may use a plumbing snake or auger to break up the blockage and clear the drain.

If the blockage is particularly stubborn or severe, they may need to remove the toilet entirely to access the blockage and remove it manually.

Identifying and Assessing the Blockage

When your toilet is blocked, the first step is to identify and assess the blockage. This can help you determine the best course of action for fixing the problem.

Here are some common causes of blocked toilets and initial DIY solutions to try:

Common Causes of Blocked Toilets

There are several common causes of a blocked toilet, including:

Too much toilet paper: Using too much toilet paper can cause a blockage in the pipes.
Sanitary products: Flushing sanitary products down the toilet can cause a blockage.
Toys: Children may flush toys down the toilet, causing a blockage.
Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into the pipes and cause a blockage.
Mineral deposits: Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate inside toilet drain pipes, narrowing the passage for wastewater.

Initial DIY Solutions

Before calling a plumber, there are a few initial DIY solutions you can try to unblock your toilet:

Plunger: A plunger is a common tool used to unblock a toilet. Place the plunger over the toilet drain and push down and up to create suction. Repeat until the blockage is cleared.
Hot water: Boil a pot of water and pour it into the toilet bowl from waist height. The force of the water should help to dislodge the blockage.
Baking soda and vinegar: Mix baking soda and vinegar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.
Dish soap: Squirt a few squirts of dish soap into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.
DIY drain snake: Straighten out a wire coat hanger and use it to try and dislodge the blockage. Be careful not to scratch the porcelain.

Professional Intervention and Prevention

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you have tried all the DIY methods to unblock your toilet and it still won’t flush, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

They have the expertise and tools necessary to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

A plumber can use an auger or drain snake to clear the blockage, or they may recommend using a chemical drain cleaner.

It’s important to note that chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to your plumbing system, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Additionally, if you notice slow drainage or a weak flush, it may indicate a more serious plumbing problem.

A professional plumber like in Plumber Warragul, can diagnose and fix the issue before it turns into a major headache.

Preventative Measures and Tips

Preventing a blocked toilet is much easier than dealing with one. Here are some tips to help you avoid toilet clogs:

Only flush organic matter and toilet paper down the toilet. Avoid flushing items such as cotton balls, baby wipes, tampons, diapers, and hair.
Using a toilet brush to keep the inside of the bowl clean and free of buildup is also helpful.
Install a low-flow toilet to reduce the amount of water used with each flush.
Regularly maintain your plumbing system. You can do this by using a descaling agent or installing a water softener to prevent mineral buildup.
Consider using an epsom salt solution to dissolve blockages before they become serious problems.
If you have a flange plunger, use it to create suction and dislodge the blockage.