A blocked toilet is a common household problem that requires quick action. In most cases, you can unblock it yourself with a pump, hot water or dishwashing liquid. If the usual methods don't work, you may have a more serious drainage problem that requires professional help. In this article, we'll go through the causes of a blockage, what you can do yourself and when to call a plumber.
What causes a toilet to become blocked?
Toilet blockages are most often caused by excessive toilet paper, foreign objects, hygiene products or structural problems in the drainage system. A single large amount of paper or the wrong type of product can cause a blockage in an instant, while the condition of the pipework has a longer-term effect.
The most common cause is flushing too much paper at once. Toilet paper is designed to break down in water, but insufficient water or a paper bundle that is too thick will not have time to break down before it ends up in a narrower part of the drain. The problem is particularly acute in older properties with narrower pipes.
Hygiene products such as wet wipes, tampons and sanitary towels are a common cause of blockages. Although some products are advertised as flushable, they do not break down in the same way as toilet paper. These products expand in water and easily stick to the walls of the pipe, causing a blockage.
It is surprisingly common for children's toys, toothbrushes and other small objects to fall down the toilet. Cat litter, food scraps and grease can also accumulate in the plumbing and form a blockage over time. In older properties, the risk of clogging is significantly increased by calcification of pipes, root penetration or pipe indentations.
How to unblock a blocked toilet yourself?
The simplest and most effective way to open a blocked toilet is to use the toilet pump correctly. Place the pump at the bottom of the toilet so that it completely covers the drain hole. Press the pump down evenly and then pull up firmly to create suction. Repeat the movement 10 to 15 times before checking to see if the water is draining.
Hot water is an effective remedy for mild blockages. Heat the water to almost boiling (not quite boiling, to prevent the porcelain from cracking) and pour it into the toilet from a high level, around waist height. Gravity and heat will help break up the paper clog. Let the water sit for 10-15 minutes before trying again.
You can use the dishwashing liquid to help dissolve the blockage. Pour about 1-2 decilitres of dishwashing liquid into the toilet and let it run down to the blockage for a few minutes. Then slowly add hot water. The detergent will act as a lubricant and help the blockage move forward in the pipe.
If you are in a blocked home and do not own a toilet pump, you can try alternative methods. Cutting the bottom off a plastic bottle works like a pump in an emergency. An elastic band can also help with light blockages by alternating between pressure and suction.
Combining basic methods
The best results are often achieved by a combination of methods. Start with dishwashing liquid and hot water, leave for a while and then use the pump. This combination is effective for most common blockages caused by paper or organic material.
What to do if the toilet will not open in the usual way?
When a pump and hot water don't work, the next step is a pipe opener, or spiral model. This flexible metal device is inserted into the drain and twisted as it goes, breaking or catching the blockage. Gently push the end of the spiral forward and turn the handle clockwise until you feel resistance.
A wet vacuum cleaner can be an effective tool for stubborn blockages. First empty the toilet as much as possible and insert the vacuum cleaner hose firmly into the drain hole. Use a wet vacuum cleaner, not a regular vacuum cleaner. Make a tight connection and run the vacuum cleaner at full power. The vacuum can pull the blockage out or at least loosen it.
Chemical drain openers should be used with caution and only as a last resort before calling a professional. They contain strong substances that can damage old pipes. Always follow product instructions carefully and ensure adequate ventilation. Never mix different drain cleaning products together.
If you have a blocked pipe in your home and the above methods don't work, the problem may lie deeper in the sewer pipe. At this point, it's worth stopping to reassess the situation. Continuing to try can, in the worst case, damage the pipe further.
When does a blocked toilet need professional help?
A professional is needed when the blockage recurs regularly, several drains are blocked at the same time, sewage backs up or you hear strange noises coming from the drains. These signs point to a more serious plumbing problem that cannot be fixed with home remedies.
If water rises into the sink or shower when you flush the toilet, it's probably a blockage in the main drain. This situation requires immediate professional attention, as sewage rising into the home poses a health risk and can lead to extensive water damage. Do not continue to use the water, but turn off the taps and call a plumber.
An odour coming from outside drains or wet spots on floors and walls indicate a possible leak or burst pipe. A situation where you have been using all home remedies without success for more than an hour is also a sign that you need the specialist tools and skills of a professional.
We offer round-the-clock plumbing services for all your plumbing challenges. Our on-call plumbers arrive quickly, in as little as 15 minutes, and deal with the blockage with professionalism. Call us as soon as you notice signs of a more serious problem - prompt action prevents major damage and more expensive repairs.
Repeated blockages can be caused by structural problems in the pipeline, such as slope errors, root intrusion or the deterioration of old pipes. In these cases, a camera survey and possibly more extensive remedial measures are required. A professional has the tools to determine the real cause of the problem and provide a permanent solution.
