Blocked Toilet: When to Call a Plumber

A blocked toilet is an inconvenience that most of us have faced at some point in our lives. It’s a common household issue that can disrupt our daily routines.

This article will discuss the telltale signs of a blocked toilet and, more importantly, when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Inconvenience of a Blocked Toilet

Knowing when to call a plumber can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Attempting to tackle a severe blockage, unclog a complete toilet drain or badly clogged toilet, or unclog a toilet all on your own can sometimes lead to more problems.

So, let’s delve into blocked toilets, toilet drains, and clogged and unclogged toilets and understand when to seek professional help.

Signs of a Blocked Toilet

A blocked toilet only sometimes happens by giving you a few warning signs. These early indicators should prompt you to investigate and take action. The most common symptoms of a blocked toilet include slow draining and gurgling sounds when you flush.

When you notice your toilet water draining slower than usual or hear strange gurgling noises after flushing, it indicates something is amiss. These signs are your toilet’s way of telling you there’s an obstruction in the pipes. Ignoring them can lead to more significant problems down the line.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Here’s when you should seek expert help:

• Repeated blockages: If your toilet gets blocked frequently, it might indicate a more significant issue within your plumbing system.
• Overflow or sewage backup: If your toilet is overflowing, or worse, you notice sewage backup in the sewer drain, call a plumber immediately. This is a severe problem.
• Unusual smells: Foul odours emanating from your toilet or drains can indicate a blockage in the sewer line, which requires professional attention.

The Dangers of Ignoring a Blocked Toilet

Ignoring a blocked toilet can lead to a series of unfortunate events. We do not underestimate the potential risks and damages associated with untreated blockages.

If left unaddressed, a blocked toilet can lead to:

• Water damage: Overflowing water can damage your bathroom floor, walls, and ceiling.
• Health hazards: A stagnant, dirty, and healthy water supply can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens.
• Increased repair costs: Delaying repairs can result in more expensive and extensive plumbing work.

The message is clear. Promptly addressing a blocked toilet can save you from many troubles down the road.

Choosing the Right Plumber

Selecting the right plumber is essential to ensuring the job is done efficiently, safely, and at a fair cost. Here’s an expanded and elaborate guide on choosing the right plumber:

• Check credentials: Verify that the plumber is licensed to work in your state or locality. A permit demonstrates they have met certain qualifications and adhered to specific standards. Additionally, confirm that the plumber carries insurance. Insurance protects the plumber and you as the homeowner in case of accidents or damage during the job.
• Seek referrals: Personal recommendations from people you trust are often one of the best ways to find a reliable plumber. They can provide insights into the plumber’s work quality, professionalism, and pricing.
• Read online reviews: Besides asking for referrals, check online resources like Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau for reviews and ratings of local plumbers. Remember that no one is perfect, so look for review patterns and consider the overall consensus on the local plumber’s services.
• Check for experience: A plumbing company’s time in business can indicate their experience and reliability. Established businesses often have a track record of successful projects.
• Request multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first plumber you contact. Reach out to several different plumbers to get quotes for your specific plumbing issue. It allows you to compare prices, services offered, and the professionalism of each plumber.
• Check for guarantees or warranties: Inquire whether the plumber offers any guarantees or warranties for their work. A reputable plumber should willingly stand by their services and address any issues arising after completing the job.
• Evaluate professionalism: Pay attention to the plumber’s communication skills and responsiveness. A professional plumber should be courteous, punctual, and willing to provide clear explanations throughout the process.
• Check for specialisations: Some plumbers may specialise in certain areas, such as residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, or services like pipe repair or water heater installation. Ensure the plumber you choose has expertise in the work you need.

Preventing Future Toilet Blockages

Prevention is the best approach to avoid the hassle of a blocked toilet. Here are some tips to prevent future blockages:

• Use less toilet paper and avoid flushing soap, non-dissolvable dish soap, items and liquid soap down toilets.
• Regularly clean your bathroom sink and toilet to prevent buildup.
• Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to detect issues early.
• Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet.

Following these preventive measures can reduce the chances of experiencing a blocked toilet in the future.

How Professionals Fix Blocked Toilet

Professionals typically follow a systematic process to fix a blocked toilet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how they usually handle this issue:

1. Assessment: The first step is to assess the severity of the blockage. They will ask you about the symptoms, such as whether the toilet is overflowing or warm water is draining slowly, to determine the extent of the problem.
2. Safety precautions: Before starting work, professionals will wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to ensure safety.
3. Turn off the water: They usually shuts off the hot water and supply to the bathroom to prevent further flooding or overflowing toilets. The hot water shutoff valve is typically on the wall behind the toilet tank or near the bathroom.
4. Clear the area: The professional will clear the area around the toilet bowl to ensure they have enough space to work. They may also lay down towels or plastic sheets to catch water or soap that might spill during the process.
5. Use a plunger: Plunging is often the first line of defense against a toilet blockage. Professionals will use a toilet without a plunger designed to create a tight seal over all the water and drain holes. They will then apply firm, even pressure and perform several plunging motions. It can often dislodge minor blockages.
6. Auger or snake: If plunging doesn’t work, the next step is to use a toilet auger or snake. This long, flexible tool can reach further into the plumbing to break up and clear drains of blockages. They will insert a half-hour one cup of the auger toilet brush or snake into the drain and crank it to navigate through the pipes and clear the obstruction.
7. Chemical drain cleaners: Professionals may sometimes use chemical drain cleaners, but this is typically a last resort. These chemicals can harm the plumber and the environment, so you should use them cautiously and as a backup if mechanical methods don’t work.

Call a Plumber Now!

In conclusion, a blocked toilet is a common issue that can disrupt your daily life. Recognising the signs of a blockage and knowing when to call a plumber is crucial for maintaining a smoothly functioning bathroom.

Ignoring a blocked toilet can lead to extensive damage and increased repair costs, so feel free to seek professional help when needed. By taking the proper steps and being proactive in maintenance, you can keep your toilet in top condition and avoid the inconvenience of a blockage.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.