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10 Common Reasons Your Toilet Drains Are Blocked

October 15, 2024

Blocked toilet drains can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, leading to unpleasant odours, slow drainage, and potential plumbing issues. Understanding the common causes of blocked drains and knowing how to address them can save you time, money, and hassle. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked toilet in Melbourne or need an emergency blocked toilet plumber, we’ve got you covered.

1. Accumulation of Debris

Overview

Over time, debris such as hair, soap scum, and food particles can accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs. This is particularly common in kitchen sinks and bathroom drains.

Solutions

  • Regular Cleaning: Use a drain snake or a plunger to remove clogs.
  • Preventative Measures: Install hair catchers in bathroom drains and avoid pouring grease down the sink.

2.Tree Roots Intrusion

Overview

Tree roots can invade underground pipes, causing blockages and potential damage. This issue is more prevalent in older homes with ageing plumbing systems.

Solutions

  • Professional Inspection: Use a camera inspection service to assess the condition of your pipes.
  • Root Barriers: Consider installing root barriers to prevent future intrusions.

3. Improper Disposal of Waste

Overview

Flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products can cause severe blockages in your drainage system, especially in blocked toilets.

Solutions

  • Education: Inform household members about what should and shouldn’t be flushed.
  • Waste Management: Provide appropriate disposal options for non-flushable items.

4. Grease Buildup

Overview

Pouring grease down the kitchen sink can lead to significant buildup over time, creating tough clogs that are difficult to remove.

Solutions

  • Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pour hot water mixed with dish soap down the drain to dissolve grease.
  • Grease Container: Use a container to dispose of excess cooking grease properly.

5. Flushing of Too Much Toilet Paper

Overview

Excessive toilet paper can easily block toilet drains, especially if the plumbing is older or has bends and curves, leading to a blocked toilet situation.

Solutions

  • Limit Usage: Encourage using only the necessary amount of toilet paper.
  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing inspections to ensure optimal drainage.

6. Ageing Pipes

Overview

Older pipes may become corroded, cracked, or collapsed, leading to blockages and leaks. This issue can often require blocked toilet repair.

Solutions

  • Replacement: Consider upgrading to modern, durable piping materials.
  • Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate.

7. Foreign Objects

Overview

Items accidentally dropped down drains—such as toys, jewellery, or utensils—can cause immediate blockages in your toilet or sink.

Solutions

  • Use Drain Covers: Prevent foreign objects from entering drains.
  • Emergency Response: If an item is lost down the drain, use a drain snake to retrieve it if possible.

8. Build-up of Minerals

Overview

Hard water can lead to mineral buildup, creating blockages, particularly in showerheads and faucets.

Solutions

  • Water Softener: Consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral deposits.
  • Regular Cleaning: Use vinegar or a descaling solution to clean fixtures and pipes.

9. Sewer Line Issues

Overview

If multiple drains are backing up simultaneously, the issue may be with the sewer line. This is often caused by blockages or breaks, necessitating a blocked toilet plumber.

Solutions

  • Professional Assessment: Contact a plumber to assess the sewer line and recommend necessary repairs.
  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule periodic cleanings to keep sewer lines clear.

10. Lack of Maintenance

Overview

Regular maintenance is key to preventing blockages. Neglecting your plumbing system can lead to severe issues over time, including the need for an emergency blocked toilet plumber.

Solutions

  • Routine Inspections: Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
  • Professional Cleaning: Invest in professional drain cleaning services periodically.

Understanding the common causes of blocked water drains and implementing effective solutions can prevent costly repairs and maintain your plumbing system’s efficiency. Whether you’re facing a blocked toilet in Richmond or seeking a blocked toilet plumber, following these recommendations will ensure your drains remain clear and functional.

Testimonials

Hear what our customers have to say about their experiences with Pinnacle Plumbing Group. 

  • Mark Bugden

    5 stars
    Tom did a fantastic job and he is absolutely fabulous work and extremely polite and helpful time efficient, does a good though clean work 😀 👍
  • Siddharth Plumber contractor

    5 stars
    I am from India. I am a paid plumber. I have a certified plumbing trade. I have cleared only 12th education. I have 8 years experience certificate ...
  • Breanna G

    5 stars
    Thanks Mark and Blake! Exceptional service and very technically sound. Sorted a conplex problem very easily, Highly recommended.
  • Barbara Weinberg

    5 stars
    Can’t rate this company any higher or I would!! Toilet flushing issue on a Saturday morning was fixed within a 2 hour maintenance request! The gent...
  • Chris Andrews

    5 stars
    Nick came the same day to clean some blocked drains I had. Same day call out as well as left the job super clean
  • Simon Zelinka

    5 stars
    Had Pinnacle plumbing group attend for a sewer blockage. On time efficient, and cleaned there mess up. Repaired drains would highly recommend this...
  • Emerald Evelyn

    5 stars
    Nick and the team are beyond helpful. Quick to respond, quote and repair. Highly recommend.
  • Tawanda Whata

    5 stars
    Thanks Ben for organising a quick response. Had a blocked drain but thanks to Pinnacle Plumbing, we didn’t get to feel the pain for much longer. Th...
  • David Boyle

    5 stars
    The guys came and fixed my blocked drains. Did a great job. Would recommend.
  • Jo Schafer

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing were great to deal with when I had a blocked pipe at home. They were efficient and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend t...
  • James Sheehan

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing Group came straight away and fixed my plumbing issue which could have been distarrous if left any longer they were efficient frie...
  • Kate G

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing fixed my urgent blocked drain pipe, Brent was here in an hour and fixed it. Super professional with excellent communication, serv...
  • Jimmy S

    5 stars
    Had a backed up toilet that would not go down, Tom came out from Pinnacle within the hour, unblocked the pipe and while he was there swapped out a ...
  • Wade Milverton

    5 stars
    Big thanks to nick and his team from pinnacle plumbing group for an outstanding job on our sewer. We have had problems for many years and struggled...
  • Alex Hogg

    5 stars
    Would definitely recommend these guys. Had two blocked drains and am sick of tradies giving me the run around. Great communication and show up when...
  • Dennis Zilberman

    5 stars
    Great job done, by great bunch of guys… highly recommend
  • Ben I

    5 stars
    I recently needed to find a plumber to fix an issue with my blocked drains. Pinnacle responded almost immediately to my request and turned up on si...
  • Simon Younis

    5 stars
    Great service had a badly blocked drain. When I called they asked what the problem was and said they would send someone out they then gave me an ET...
  • Robin Wupper

    5 stars
    Well done Pinnacle Plumbing on a timely and professional service resolving my blocked drain. Highly recommend
  • jure velic

    5 stars
    Nick and his team from Pinnacle unblocked my drains at my house,they were efficient fast and very reliable and reasonably priced. I'd recommend the...
  • BMX Life

    5 stars
    After being quoted way too much by a competitor (and had I followed through, they weren't solving it) I contacted Pinnacle Plumbing Group for a lea...
  • Cath Beynon

    5 stars
    I highly recommend these guys. They were so respectful to have around. As a single middle aged woman, unfortunately I’ve had some very dodgy trades...
  • Ash Rahman

    5 stars
    Nick and the rest of the team has been very prompt to action on all the maintenance request being sent. Really love their service, their report is...
  • Adam Johnstone

    5 stars
    Brent really got us out of a spot-of-bother with a blocked toilet. He cleared the blockage and sent a camera down so we could get a proper diagnosi...
  • Virginia Dods

    5 stars
    This plumbing service was great at communication, understanding immediately what the issue seemed to be. They asked if it was an emergency - no, we...
  • Colin Smith

    5 stars
    All staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Great service and I will definitely use them again in the future.
  • Jessica Mom

    5 stars
    Nick and his team are the best! Super quick, professional and the staff are awesome and friendly 11/10!
  • Anthony Wall

    5 stars
    We have used Pinnacle Plumbing Group for more than 10 years for many jobs, large and small - clearing drains, leaking roof repairs, new hot water s...
  • Yanisa Yodsaeng

    5 stars
    Andrew is very professional, on time, and reliable. I had a leak but didn't know the cause. He managed to find out that it was from the balcony and...
  • Nick

    5 stars
    Great experience with this business. Needed a tempering valve replaced at my apartment. Nick R was really responsive on emails, and costing was pr...
  • Parham Faraid

    5 stars
    Excellent work. Nice and effective.
  • Andrew Noble

    5 stars
    No nonsense friendly service from Andrew and Nick. Unblocked our dunny quickly and gave some great advice. Would definitely recommend.
  • Marg Campbell

    5 stars
    Fantastic service from Pinnacle Plumbing when we had to have the gas pipe running from the meter under our house replaced. I called Harry on the T...
  • Chin Ho

    5 stars
    Good service! Very responsive! Highly recommend for reliable and professional plumbing work!
  • Sarah Bardwell

    5 stars
    Nick and the team are great. They're very professional, responsible, and do a great job. We've used Pinnacle a number of times for both business an...
  • Geoff Reany

    5 stars
    I highly recommend Pinnacle. Nick and Ash were prompt and responsive with quoting and scheduling installation of our new hot water unit. And plumbe...
  • Justine Sharman

    5 stars
    A great team, very reliable, great communication and good quality work
  • Mike B

    5 stars
    Conclusion: We strongly recommend Pinnacle Plumbing and will most certainly request them to do work for us in the future. The job: Around 10 perso...
  • Brendan Hughes

    5 stars
    We used Pinnacle Plumbing to undertake plumbing works as part of a home renovation. Not only were they reliable, professional and had great communi...
  • Cat Woods

    5 stars
    Such a great experience with Pinnacle Plumbing. I rang Nick on a Wednesday and by Friday noon, my toilet seat had been replaced efficiently and by ...
  • Chris Friday

    5 stars
    This company is very reliable and offers prompt service.
  • Charlotte Fletcher

    5 stars
    Andrew and Lee came out to fix our bath which was leaking into the ceiling below. They were super easy to deal with, explained everything well, and...
  • Alona Reid

    5 stars
    Fabulous team to deal with from the start to finish on my carport roof plumbing! Nick and the crew, 5 stars!
  • Donna Taylor

    5 stars
    Plumbers came to the site and fixed my drains for a decent price , very professional. Highly recommend.
  • Ashleigh Smith

    5 stars
    Amazing work and great prices ! Best plumbing company in Melbourne. Highly recommend Nick and his team
  • Angela Rybalko

    5 stars
    I had a burst pipe at 7pm on a Wednesday night, called about 3 plumbers before finally I got on to Pinnacle who answered straight away. They arriv...
  • Stephanie Crawley

    5 stars
    I have used Pinnacle Plumbing Group for various plumbing jobs during my renovations. Each time, the expertise of the team has saved me time and mon...
  • Dan Kelly

    5 stars
    Great service, very responsive, and showed up on time! Would highly recommend.