Blocked toilets can be a real nuisance, disrupting your daily routine and causing discomfort in your home. Brisbane residents know this struggle all too well, and Bell Plumbing is here to help. In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of blocked toilets and provide solutions to keep your bathroom in working order.
Toilets are essential fixtures in our homes, but they’re also prone to blockages. Here are the most frequent culprits responsible for clogged toilets:
Flushing Inappropriate Items
One of the most frequent causes of blocked toilets is flushing the wrong things down. Flushing tampons may seem like a convenient disposal method, but it’s a big no-no. Tampons don’t break down like toilet paper, and over time they can accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs.
But tampons aren’t the only culprits. Many people mistakenly flush items like “flushable” wet wipes, makeup wipes, dental floss, cotton tips, and more. The sewerage system is designed for water, toilet paper and human waste only. Flushing anything else increases the risk of a blocked toilet.
Trapped in the Trap
All plumbing drains have a trap, a curved section filled with water that acts as a barrier against foul odours and gases from entering your home. The items mentioned earlier, like tampons and wet wipes, often get trapped in this bend, causing clogs. Excessive toilet paper usage can also lead to trap blockages.
Low-Flush Water-Saving Toilets
Many homeowners have embraced water-saving toilets to conserve water resources. These toilets comply with Water Efficient Labelling Standards (WELS), limiting flushes to 5.5 litres. While environmentally friendly, these low-flush toilets may lack the pressure needed to effectively push sewage through the pipes. To avoid blockages, be mindful of what you flush and consider using low-ply toilet paper.
Blockage in the Main Sewer Line
A blocked toilet can also be the result of a clog in the main sewer line, which connects all your home’s plumbing fixtures. If this occurs, you’ll likely experience issues with other drains in your home. Items flushed down the toilet, as well as substances washed down other drains, like kitchen grease and oil, contribute to these blockages. Fixing a blocked sewer line requires professional equipment such as CCTV pipe inspection cameras and jet rodding to uncover and clear the blockage.
Broken Sewer Pipe
In the worst-case scenario, a blocked toilet may be due to a collapsed or damaged sewer pipe. When this happens, water and waste cannot flow freely through the main sewer line. Just like a blockage, a broken sewer line impacts all plumbing fixtures in your home and requires immediate attention. A CCTV drain inspection can swiftly identify damaged pipes and assess whether they need replacement.
Other Common Toilet Problems
In addition to blockages, toilets can experience other issues such as:
- Broken or faulty flushing mechanism
- Inadequate water level in the tank
- Broken or leaking cistern
- Faulty floats or valves
- Leaking and running pipes
- Leaks around the base of the toilet
Blocked toilets are a common issue for many households, but by avoiding the common culprits and seeking professional assistance from Bell Plumbing when needed, you can keep your bathroom in excellent working order. Don’t let a blocked toilet disrupt your life – stay informed and take the necessary steps to prevent and address these common toilet problems.