Toilet won’t drain? Your first response may be one of panic… and why wouldn’t it be? A functioning toilet is something we take for granted, and when your toilet won’t flush, it can be an unwelcome problem, especially if there isn’t a second one in your house.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to try and clear it yourself before having to call us to assist. But of course, remember, if you aren’t confident to try these strategies or if there’s any chance of making the problem worse, we’ll be available to assist right away.
Let’s begin by looking at how your toilet works, some of the signs indicating an issue and what can be done about a toilet that won’t flush.
When looking at the inside of your toilet’s tank, you will notice two main parts: the flush valve and the fill valve. The first part is responsible for flushing out your toilet waste from the bowl and into the sewer line. The second part (the fill valve) has the job of filling the tank after each use.
Both of these components are essential for the proper functioning of your toilet.
If you notice your toilet takes longer than normal to drain, it’s a sign that something isn’t working properly, and the issue should be addressed promptly.
Of course, proper equipment and help from a professional are always recommended, but here are a few simple steps you can take to try and resolve the issue yourself if you feel confident to have a go:
1. Take a look at your system – check for any signs of blockages or build-up that are visible in the pipes or around your toilet bowl, open the lid to check the toilet cistern, check the flush button isn’t stuck and remove any obstruction that’s clearly causing the problem.
2. Use a toilet plunger – try using a plunger to force out any blockages that may be stuck in the pipes. There are many instructional videos online about the correct way to use a plunger, and doing this may just solve your problems. Of course, don’t forget to wear rubber gloves, and if the issue persists, you’ll need to contact us.
3. Warm water – try pouring a bucket of hot water into your toilet bowl to loosen any debris that could be caught in the system. This is sometimes enough to dislodge the blockage, but if it doesn’t work, be sure to call us right away.
4. Washing up liquid – you can even add a very small amount of dish soap to try to help break down any clogs and reduce friction within the pipes. A bio-degradable detergent won’t cause your toilet any problems, but of course, use it sparingly to avoid bubble disaster.
If all of the above fail, then it could be a sign that there is a more serious issue – such as tree roots invading your pipes – and, of course, that needs to be identified and addressed by our experienced professionals.
Nevertheless, if you give the above DIY methods a go and your toilet won’t drain, you’ll need to call a professional plumber for help. We’ve access to special tools and equipment to help unblock drains and unclog toilets quickly and safely so you can regain the convenience of a fully-functioning toilet.
Possibly the most helpful thing you can do to keep your toilet flushing properly is to inspect it regularly. It’s important you get to identify issues early and swiftly tackle anything that looks like it could develop into a real concern. Early intervention is usually much easier and cheaper to fix if your toilet won’t drain.
It’s also a good idea to ensure you use your toilet as it was designed – that means no flushing of items down it which could cause blockages. Toilet paper is fine, but sanitary products and wet wipes are not.
Finally, if it’s been a while since your toilets have had any maintenance, then now’s the ideal time to get them checked. It could be that your system needs a simple flush or cleaning, and a simple inspection and some quick maintenance could avoid any future issues developing.
Having a clogged toilet is an unwelcome hassle, so it’s important to find the right experts to sort it out promptly. That’s why using a licensed plumbing service such as Eco Earth Plumbing is always recommended – we know exactly what we’re doing and have the necessary qualifications and insurance to protect you and your home.
It’s also incredibly important to remember that your toilet’s plumbing system is connected directly to your home’s sewer line, so attempting any kind of DIY repair could potentially cause damage and waste water leakage into your property. This would be an expensive mistake to make, so it’s wise to leave any jobs like this to the experts! We’ll quickly assess the problem, provide you with a solution and get your toilet back to working condition quickly.
Eco Earth Plumbing is here to help with all your plumbing needs, including clearing blockages to save you from the stress and inconvenience of toilet trouble. Get in touch with our team today on 0404 023 023, and we’ll get you back up and flushing in no time. Reach out today for a quote or further advice – our expert plumbing team is always happy to help.