10 Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Getting Blocked (and How to Fix Them)

A blocked toilet in Melbourne is an unfortunate and unpleasant experience that can cause frustration and inconvenience for homeowners. Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet and having old plumbing systems are just a few of the various factors that can cause this common plumbing issu

Dealing with frequent toilet blockages can be a hassle, and it’s important to understand the underlying causes in order to prevent them from happening in the first place. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the most common reasons your toilet keeps getting blocked and provide you with practical solutions to fix them.

Flushing Inappropriate Items

One of the most common reasons toilets get blocked is when people flush inappropriate items. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly when flushed, but other materials, such as baby wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels, don’t break down as easily. These items can quickly clog your toilet and cause it to overflow. To avoid this problem, make sure you only flush toilet paper down the toilet and dispose of all other items in the trash.

Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets help save water by using less water per flush than traditional toilets. While this is great for the environment, it can also lead to more frequent toilet blockages. Low-flow toilets often don’t have enough water pressure to push waste through the pipes, which can cause blockages. If you have a low-flow toilet and are experiencing frequent blockages, consider upgrading to a more powerful model.

Hard Water

If you live in an area with hard water, it can lead to mineral buildup in your toilet’s pipes. Over time, this buildup can become so severe that it causes blockages. To prevent this from happening, try using a water softener to reduce the mineral content of your water. You can also try using a cleaning product to remove mineral buildup from your toilet.

Blocked Plumbing Vent

Your toilet is connected to your home’s plumbing system via a vent. This vent allows air to enter the pipes, which helps waste flow smoothly. If this vent becomes blocked, it can also cause your toilet to become blocked. A blocked plumbing vent can be caused by a variety of factors, including debris, animal nests, and snow. If you suspect your plumbing vent has a blockage, it’s best to call Your Local Plumbing to inspect it and make any necessary repairs.

Clogged Trap

The trap is the curved part of the toilet bowl that holds water. This water creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If this trap becomes clogged with waste, it can cause your toilet to become blocked. To fix this problem, you’ll need to use a plunger or toilet auger to clear the clog. If the clog is particularly stubborn, you may need to remove the toilet and access the trap from below.

Blocked Sewer Line

If you’ve tried everything and your toilet is still blocked, the problem may be with your sewer line. A blocked sewer line can cause all of the toilets in your home to become blocked, as well as other plumbing fixtures like sinks and showers. In this case, it’s important to call Your Local Plumbing right away to inspect your sewer line and make any necessary repairs.

Old Plumbing

Older homes may have plumbing systems that are not up to modern standards. The pipes may be narrow or corroded, making waste flow difficult. This can lead to frequent toilet blockages. If you have an older home, it may be worth having a plumber inspect your plumbing system to determine if any upgrades or repairs are necessary.

Tree Roots

If you have trees growing near your home, their roots can grow into your sewer line and cause blocked toilets in Melbourne. Tree roots can break through pipes and cause them to collapse or become clogged with roots and debris. If you suspect that tree roots are causing your toilet to become blocked, it’s important to call a plumber immediately. They can use a special camera to inspect your sewer line and determine the best course of action.

Poor Toilet Installation

Incorrect installation of your toilet can make it more susceptible to blockages. For example, waste may not flow through the pipes properly if the toilet is not level. Similarly, if the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor is damaged or installed incorrectly, it can cause leaks and blockages. If you suspect improper installation of your toilet, it’s important to call a professional plumber from Your Local Plumbing to inspect it and perform any necessary repairs.

Flushing Non-Dissolvable Items

People often flush non-dissolvable items down the toilet, which can cause blockages. Items such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and cotton balls can quickly cause a blockage in your toilet. These items don’t dissolve in water like toilet paper, which means they can easily obstruct the pipes and cause a blockage. To prevent this issue, only flush toilet paper down the toilet and dispose of all other items in the trash.

Final Words

A blocked toilet in Melbourne can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, but it’s not uncommon. By understanding the most common causes of toilet blockages and how to fix them, you can keep your toilet functioning properly and avoid costly repairs. Remember to only flush toilet paper down the toilet, consider upgrading to a more powerful toilet if you have a low-flow model, and call a plumber if you suspect your plumbing vent or sewer line has a blockage. With some prevention and maintenance, you can keep your toilet running smoothly for years.

 

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