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Emergency Plumbing Tips: Fixing Blocked Toilets and Drains Fast

January 31, 2025

Blocked toilets and drains can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when they happen unexpectedly. They disrupt daily routines and, if not addressed promptly, can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. If you’re dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne, knowing how to act quickly and efficiently can save you time and money. At Pinnacle Plumbing, we’re here to help with essential tips to address these common plumbing issues.

Recognising the Signs of Blocked Drains

Before you can fix a blocked drain, you need to identify the problem. Common signs include:

  • Water drains slowly from sinks, showers, or tubs.
  • Gurgling noises in pipes or toilets.
  • Unpleasant odours coming from drains.
  • Overflowing water during use.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to investigate the cause. Acting quickly can prevent further complications, such as backups or leaks.

Quick Fixes for a Blocked Toilet

Dealing with a clogged toilet can be an immediate inconvenience, but it’s often one of the easiest issues to resolve. Follow these steps to attempt a quick fix:

  1. Use a Plunger: A plunger is your first line of defence. Ensure the toilet bowl has enough water to cover the rubber part of the plunger, then create a seal and pump vigorously. This can dislodge minor blockages.
  2. Try Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pour a small amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl, followed by hot (but not boiling) water. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the clog.
  3. Avoid Chemical Cleaners: While tempting, chemical cleaners can damage your pipes and may not be effective for severe blockages.

If these methods don’t work, it’s best to call an emergency plumber to avoid causing further damage.

DIY Solutions for Blocked Drains

Blocked drains in Melbourne are often caused by the buildup of grease, hair, or debris. Here are some simple solutions you can try:

  1. Use a Drain Snake: A drain snake or auger can help remove debris trapped deep within the pipes. Insert the drain snake or auger into the drain and twist it to pull out the blockage.
  2. Create a Natural Drain Cleaner: Mix baking soda and vinegar, then pour it down the drain. Follow with hot water after 15 minutes to clear minor clogs.
  3. Remove the Trap: For sinks, unscrew the U-shaped pipe (trap) under the basin and manually clean it. Be sure to place a bucket underneath to catch any water.
  4. Install Drain Covers: Prevent future clogs by using drain covers to catch hair, food particles, and debris.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber

While some plumbing issues can be handled on your own, there are times when professional help is necessary. You should contact an emergency plumber if:

  • The blockage persists despite your efforts.
  • Water is overflowing uncontrollably.
  • You suspect a pipe has burst or cracked.
  • Multiple drains in your home are blocked simultaneously.

At Pinnacle Plumbing, we specialise in handling emergencies and can provide fast, reliable service to address blocked toilets and drains in Melbourne. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate—contact us 24/7 for immediate assistance.

Preventing Blocked Drains and Toilets

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid plumbing problems:

  • Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wet wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels down the toilet.
  • Dispose of grease and oil in the trash rather than pouring it down the sink.
  • Regularly clean drains to remove buildup before it causes blockages.
  • Schedule routine inspections with a professional plumber to catch issues early.

By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a plumbing emergency.

Why Choose Pinnacle Plumbing?

If you’re dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne, Pinnacle Plumbing is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals provides the following:

  • Prompt emergency services.
  • Advanced tools to tackle severe blockages.
  • Affordable and transparent pricing.
  • Expert advice to prevent future plumbing issues.

Don’t let a blocked toilet or drain disrupt your day. Contact us at Pinnacle Plumbing for reliable and efficient plumbing solutions. We’re committed to keeping your home running smoothly and stress-free.

Testimonials

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

  • Joel

    5 stars
    Fixed the bathroom drain, the plumber is a top bloke. Great service!
  • Daria Khan

    5 stars
    Great experience from booking to actual service. Job was done quick and efficient. Big thank you to Damon and Blake. Polite, friendly and professio...
  • J Scholz

    5 stars
    Very helpful and professional service. An additional concern was found and fixed as well.
  • Karry Sheng

    5 stars
    Damon is professional and had my heating valve fixed. Appreciate it!
  • Cath Beynon

    5 stars
    Damon was fantastic, very quick and super respectful. Thank you
  • Michael Luu

    5 stars
    Efficient and professional
  • Emily Saxton

    5 stars
    Wonderful advice and customer service from Brent, an absolute hero. Give this man a raise
  • Kahmanpreet Sekhon

    5 stars
    Good service done by blake today at urgent basis. Blake replaced hot water system today. Reliable and efficient lad. Thanks blake.
  • andrew wilson

    5 stars
    We had an excellent experience with Pinnacle Plumbing. We had a fairly urgent situation and they were straight onto it and figured out the problem ...
  • Lindsay Ford

    5 stars
    Prompt attention to problem.Very happy with result.
  • Dan Walker

    5 stars
    Nick and the team really know there stuff! Very professional Company that I have had the pleasure of working with. Highly recommend!
  • Todd Bruton

    5 stars
    Quick, professional and highly skilled tradesman. Cannot speak highly enough of Nick and the team
  • Michael Higgins

    5 stars
    I've worked closely with the owner Nick this year and have found him and the company to be very professional. Highly recommended!
  • Jenni Meaney

    5 stars
    Pinnacle resolved a roof plumbing issued efficiently and effectively. They were good to deal with on the phone and provided a clear quote. Plumber ...
  • 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...
  • 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...