Inconvenient to say the least, you have probably come across or had to deal with the issue of a blocked toilet drain. Toilets are connected to the sewer system of your property and if problems are not fixed quickly, it can become a pretty major issue.
Leaving a blocked toilet pipe to become worse is likely to lead to possible health concerns as well as property damage, not to mention a significant cost for repairs. Is this a situation you can rectify on your own, or do you need the plumbing experts? That depends on the severity and the location of the blockage.
Clogged sections of sewer pipes can be caused by many reasons, with some of the most common ones being:
● Flushing of non-flushable items including baby wipes or menstrual products.
● Simply using too much toilet paper.
● Toys or other small items that can get put in the toilet by children.
● Trying to flush food products.
● Low-flow toilets can be found in older homes, and this can impact the water pressure used to flush.
● A blocked toilet vent, which is located on the outside of the property to allow air into the system.
● Tree roots invading your drains via cracked pipes.
A lot of these reasons are avoidable (don’t put things in the toilet that shouldn’t go in there) and some general maintenance will assist with preventing the others from creating havoc.
Tips For Clearing a Blocked Toilet Waste Pipe
If you think you only have a minor blockage, or debris that is still in the toilet or shallow in the sewer system, you may want to try to see to it yourself using some basic tools and ingredients. It must be pointed out that if your toilet is blocked, do not keep flushing in an attempt to clear it because it may overflow and then you will also have that mess to deal with.
If you can see the blockage, then you should be able to remove it by donning some rubber gloves and taking it out by hand. If you can’t see the blockage, no need to despair yet as you can try a homemade drain cleaner.
One home remedy to try is putting a small amount of dish soap into half a bucket of hot (not boiling) water. Pour the soapy water into the toilet bowl from waist height which provides some agitation, and then leave it to sit for a few minutes before flushing.
Another mix is vinegar and bicarb soda. Pour 1 cup of bicarb soda into the toilet and let it sit for several minutes before slowly pouring in 2 cups of vinegar. The two ingredients will react and bubble, helping to dissolve the clog. Once the mixture stops bubbling, flush the loo to see if it has cleared.
Another option is to use a plunger, but it needs to be a heavy-duty one with a flange on the base of it. Place the plunger completely over the hole of the toilet bowl so it is submerged in the water. Press it down firmly but slowly and repeat a few times to help release the toilet blockage.
Time to Call the Toilet Drain Unblocker Experts?
If you’ve tried some DIY and it didn’t work, or you simply don’t want to tackle this particular job, call the professionals. It is often easier and safer to call in the experts when dealing with your sewer system. The team at The Drain Man are qualified and have years of experience, available to confidently solve your tricky toilet problem fast.
Their process is simple, beginning with obtaining as many details as possible from an initial conversation. A visit on-site at your property will give further understanding of the situation and you will be informed of the procedure required.
A highly technical CCTV drain inspection camera is fed into the sewer system and will record footage to identify where the blockage is, whether it is debris from the bathroom or tree roots, and how large it is. The camera will also pick up any damage to pipes that needs attention.
High-pressure water jet equipment is used to flush out the drain so that it runs properly again. At the end of the job when you have an unblocked toilet, you will be informed of some options for preventing future blockages and of any necessary repairs. If your toilet keeps blocking, then the cause can be discussed and relevant actions will be recommended.
The only things going in your toilet should be waste and toilet paper, but blockages can be caused by various other things. If you find your plumbing is noisy and your toilet is clogged for days, contact The Drain Man to get your blocked toilet fixed as soon as possible!
