5 Common Causes Of Blocked Toilets
The unpleasant odour, the risk of overflow and the potential for water damage can make a blocked toilet highly frustrating and inconvenient. Understanding the common causes of blocked toilets can help you take preventative measures and avoid this situation. In this blog, we’ll explore five common causes of blocked toilets and provide you with practical tips to keep them running smoothly.
1. Toilet Paper Build-up
Toilet paper is meant to dissolve and disintegrate when it comes into contact with water. However, using excessive amounts of toilet paper can overwhelm your toilet’s drainage system, especially if you’re using thick or layered toilet paper. Over time, the build-up of toilet paper can cause blockages and restrict the water flow, leading to a blocked toilet.
Tip: Use toilet paper in moderation and encourage everyone in your household to do the same. If you notice that your toilet is prone to blockages, consider using thinner or less layered toilet paper.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Flushing items down the toilet that are not meant to be flushed is a common mistake that can lead to blockages. Items such as sanitary products, cotton balls, wet wipes, diapers and even dental floss should never be flushed. These items do not dissolve in water and can accumulate in the pipes, causing blockages and potential damage.
Tip: Make sure to dispose of non-flushable items in a dustbin rather than flushing them down the toilet. Consider placing a small dustbin in your bathroom to make it convenient for everyone to dispose of such items properly.
3. Hard Water Deposits
In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside the toilet pipes and trap other substances, leading to blockages. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate over time and restrict water flow. These deposits, along with other debris, create a perfect environment for blockages to occur.
Tip: If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener system to reduce mineral build-up in your toilet and other plumbing fixtures. Regular cleaning with descaling agents can also help prevent blockages caused by hard water deposits.
4. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots can be a major cause of blocked toilets, especially in older properties with ageing sewer lines. As trees grow, their roots can extend underground and infiltrate pipes, causing blockages and even pipe damage. Tree root intrusion can be a more severe issue that requires professional assistance to resolve.
Tip: If you suspect tree root intrusion as the cause of your blocked toilet, consult a professional plumber who can assess the situation and provide appropriate solutions. Regular maintenance and inspections of your plumbing system can also help detect tree root intrusion before it becomes a major problem.
5. Sewer Line Issues
Sometimes, a blocked toilet can be a symptom of a larger problem with the main sewer line. Issues such as collapsed pipes or clogs in the main sewer line can cause backups, resulting in blocked toilets. These situations require immediate attention from a professional plumber to diagnose and rectify the underlying problem.
Tip: If you experience recurrent blocked toilets, foul odours or slow drainage throughout your home, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to inspect your main sewer line. Timely intervention can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.
A Reliable Solution to Blocked Toilets on the Gold Coast
Dealing with a blocked toilet is never pleasant, but by understanding the common causes behind this issue, you can take proactive steps to prevent it from happening. At Gold Coast Blocked Drains, our licensed plumbers are experienced in unblocking toilets. Don’t let a blocked toilet ruin your day—contact us today for a fixed-price quote.
We are the original Gold Coast Blocked Drains experts. Our plumbers provide drain unblocking on the Gold Coast starting from only $99. With no call out fee, fixed price quotes and an experienced team, give us a call on 1300 433 585 to get started today!
