Causes of blocked toilets

The toilet is perhaps the most commonly used fixtures in any home. Whenever it gets clogged, it leaves you frustrated and with a lot of mess to clean up. Knowing what causes blocked toilets can help you take the right actions and prevent future problems. A blocked toilet is best handled by professionals. We at My Brisbane Plumber offer complete plumbing solutions to both residential and commercial clients. Your toilet may be blocked due to many reasons. Here are some common causes that we often come across.

Low flow toilet

There are toilets that use low-flow designs to help conserve water. You may have one of these early forms of toilets that don’t have the required pressure to clear the drain and internal trap. The lack of flow may be causing the clogs to develop. You can either get the toilet replaced or reduce clogs by not throwing toilet paper and other items into the toilet.

Low Water Pressure

The toilet may have poor water pressure and may require multiple flushing. This is a common cause of clogged toilets and there can be one or more reasons for it. This includes:

• Low water level
• Leaks
• Flapper issues
• Clogged rims

Non-Flushable Items

The toilet is designed to accept only two types of items, waste and toilet paper. Your toilet may be getting clogged because kids may be throwing toys down it. Children love to watch toys and other items swish around the bowl. Even adults commonly flush items such as:

• Hair
• Wipes
• Paper towels
• Hygiene products
• Cotton balls

Also, the toilet may have clogged because you flushed other items that are often mistaken as ‘flushable’. It is recommended to keep the area above the tank clear to prevent any items from falling into the toilet.

Toilet Trap Blocked

The trap is designed to hold standing water and keep sewer gases out of your home. It can get clogged by paper towels, toilet paper, and other non-flushable items. Something as simple as a pocket comb can clog your toilet if it gets lodged in the internal trap.

Simple blockages can be removed with a plunger, but more complex ones require a toilet auger. It is recommended to limit the use of toilet paper and prevent non-flushable items from getting into the toilet.

Clogged Drain Line/Main Sewer Clogged

If you experience regular clogs in more than one toilet and drains, it can mean there are problems in the main sewer or drain lines. Such clogs are usually caused by the following reasons:

• Build-up of waste materials, non-flushable items, and toilet paper in the sewer and main drain lines
• Sewer lines can get punctured by tree roots, allowing sediment and other debris to enter

Clogged sewer line problems should be taken seriously, as they can threaten your family’s health.

Tree Roots In Plumbing System

It is common for tree roots to grow downward into the sewer lines in your yard.  However, roots that grow upward from under the slab foundation and invade the toilet can cause a clogging problem. Some of the common signs of roots getting clogged into a sewer line or drain line are as follows:

• More frequent toilet backups
• Frequent clogs in toilets, sinks, or tubs
• Water keeps draining from the sink or tub
• Gurgling sounds

Broken Pipes

Pipes can get damaged for many reasons. They can break, crack, or get cashed due to:

• Corrosion
• Heavy rain
• Wear and tear
• Age
• Temperature changes

When there is such damage, the draining rate slows down causing a clogged toilet.

If you need more information about our services, feel free to call My Brisbane Plumber at 1300 558 445. You may also send us your queries at our email address, info@mybrisbaneplumber.com.au.