A blocked toilet drain is a common household inconvenience that can disrupt your daily routine. Whether it’s due to excessive toilet paper usage or foreign objects accidentally finding their way into the drain, a clogged toilet can be a frustrating problem.
In order to help you forget all your plumbing woes, we at LCL Plumbing and Drainage Services are here to help you out. You can contact us if you have any queries concerning pipeline inspections, drain cleaning, or pipe relining at your location. We will be pleased to assist you in any manner we can.
Reasons Why a Toilet Drain Can Become Blocked
A blocked toilet drain is an unpleasant and inconvenient problem that can disrupt our daily lives. When faced with a clogged toilet, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes to prevent future blockages. Below, we’ll explore the various reasons why a toilet drain can become blocked.
Excessive Toilet Paper
One of the most common reasons for toilet drain blockages is excessive toilet paper usage. Toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve in water. However, using an excessive amount can overwhelm your plumbing system. When too much toilet paper accumulates in the pipes, it can form a stubborn blockage.
Foreign Objects
Toilets are meant for disposing of human waste and toilet paper only. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly flush non-flushable items down the toilet, such as sanitary products, dental floss, cotton balls, or even small toys. These foreign objects can get stuck in the pipes and create blockages. Always dispose of non-flushable items in the trash to avoid such issues.
Hair and Hygiene Products
Hair is another common culprit when it comes to toilet drain blockages. Hair can easily accumulate in the pipes and combine with soap scum and hygiene products. This creates a sticky mass that restricts water flow.
Tree Roots
In some cases, the cause of a blocked toilet drain may be outside your home. Tree roots can infiltrate underground pipes, seeking moisture and nutrients. As they grow, they can block or damage sewer lines, leading to slow drainage or complete blockages.
If you suspect tree roots are causing sewer issues, it’s crucial to consult a professional like LCL Plumbing and Drainage Services, who can assess and address the problem.
Mineral Buildup
Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate inside toilet drain pipes, narrowing the passage for wastewater. This can lead to slow-draining toilets and eventual blockages. Regular maintenance, such as using a descaling agent or installing a water softener, can help prevent mineral buildup.
Low-Flow Toilets
While low-flow toilets are more environmentally friendly and save water, they can sometimes be prone to blockages. Their reduced water volume may not provide enough force to flush waste and toilet paper effectively.
To prevent blockages with low-flow toilets, ensure proper use and consider using a plunger or toilet auger as needed to unblock the toilet.
Ageing Plumbing
Older plumbing systems in your bathroom can be more susceptible to blockages due to wear and corrosion. As pipes age, they can develop cracks, leaks, or rough surfaces that encourage the buildup of debris and waste. If you have an older plumbing system, consider investing in periodic inspections and maintenance to prevent blockages.
How to Unblock a Toilet Drain?
A blocked toilet drain can be a homeowner’s nightmare, causing inconvenience and potential plumbing disasters. Before you reach for the phone to call a blocked toilet plumber, you can save time and money by attempting to fix it.
Use Dishwashing Liquid
Using dishwashing detergent and hot water is one of the most popular ways to unclog a toilet. So, thoroughly combine the detergent and water in a bucket.
Use A Plunger
Using a toilet plunger is a traditional way to unclog a toilet. To generate a totally sealed vacuum, use a plunger with a flange at the base.
Use a Coat Hanger With Hooks
Unravel a wire coat hanger, and you will get a long hook that can successfully remove the clog from the toilet.
Using Professional Blocked Toilet Plumber
A blocked toilet drain can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, but understanding the reasons behind such blockages can help you prevent them in the first place.
However, there are situations when a toilet clog is too large or too deep in your drain pipes to be removed. In such situations, we recommend that you use professionals like LCL Plumbing and Drainage Services in Melbourne.
Our certified plumbers are on call around the clock to assist you with any emergencies you may have. We can handle any issue, no matter how big or minor. So, don’t allow a blocked toilet to make you feel sad. Call us right now!
