Do you have a Blocked Toilet?

Don’t put up with a blocked toilet for a moment longer than you have to. Ripple Plumbing can get things flushing again straight away with our 24/7 service! We provide long term solutions for urgent plumbing problems.

Call now on 0478 645 704

24-Hour Blocked Toilet Repairs

A blocked toilet is a nuisance and often messy. It’s not something you want to really deal with on your own. The good news is Ripple Plumbing has 24/7 emergency plumbers on standby for all your toilet plumbing needs.

We can take on anything and everything to do with your toilet and cistern. We’re specialists in unclogging toilets. We’ll have it flushing in no time with a thorough, long-term solution as well.

If your toilet suite simply is no longer up to the job, we can also easily provide a replacement or install a brand-new toilet supplied by yourself.

Throughout Coffs Harbour, our team are available for fast service within an hour* of your call. That can include emergency plumbing or even general maintenance – we treat every job the same. Because we think that way, we also never charge extra after hours and offer finance options** for peace of mind.

That way your blocked toilet emergency doesn’t feel like something you have to put off because you’re worried about the cost.

To find out more about how we can help you, or to book a plumber now, just give us a call.

Understanding the Causes of Blocked Toilets

Have you ever experienced the frustration of a blocked toilet drain? It’s a common household problem and knowing its root causes can help you prevent future mishaps.

There are a few usual suspects when it comes to toilet bowl blockages. One of the most common culprits is using too much toilet paper, especially when large amounts are flushed at once.

Additionally, non-flushable items like wet wipes, baby wipes, cotton balls, hygiene products and other debris can also lead to clogs. Food waste and nappies are other items which should never be flushed down the toilet.

Sometimes, an underlying issue in the plumbing system, such as tree roots infiltrating the pipes, can be to blame. Identifying the cause of the blockage is crucial for effective unclogging.

To avoid this hassle altogether, adopting some preventive measures can be helpful, such as teaching household members about proper toilet use and being cautious about what you flush.

No matter the issue, Ripple has more than 25 years of experience in toilet plumbing and our local technicians can assess and solve any problematic plumbing.

Our experience will help you get back on the throne, enjoying your time in the bathroom again.

Safe and Effective Tools for Unclogging a Toilet

When faced with a clogged toilet, there’s no need to panic. You reckon you can save money and go with DIY methods. You can tackle this inconvenience with some handy tools.

Do you have a plunger handy? The trusty plunger is a great starting point. Make sure the toilet plunger covers the drain completely and give it firm, but controlled, plunges to create the needed pressure to dislodge the blockage.

But you can unclog a toilet without a plunger. For tougher clogs, an auger or plumbing snake (or toilet snake) comes to the rescue. This flexible tool can reach deeper into the pipes, breaking up more stubborn obstructions. Remember to turn the handle clockwise as you feed it down the toilet to avoid pushing the clog further.

If you prefer natural solutions, try pouring boiling water down the loo or a DIY mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Carefully pour about a cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a while before flushing with hot water.

Whichever method you choose, proceed with caution and avoid using chemicals that could harm your plumbing. Always make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves when when working with homemade drain cleaner such as baking soda and vinegar.

For a particularly stubborn blockage, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Ripple Plumbing. Let’s take a closer look at how Ripple will handle the unclogging process.

Dealing with Stubborn Blockages

Uh-oh, you’ve tried the plunger or the coat hanger, the hot water trick and other DIY remedies, but the toilet bowl is still stubbornly blocked. Don’t worry; there are steps you can take to handle more persistent toilet clogs.

First, be on the lookout for signs of a severe blockage, like water rising to the brim when you flush. If you notice this, it’s time to stop flushing immediately to prevent overflowing.

When your efforts haven’t paid off, it’s wise to consider seeking a professional plumber from Ripple Plumbing. Plumbers have the expertise and specialised tools to tackle even the trickiest clogs.

If you decide to take on the challenge yourself, tread carefully with chemical drain cleaners. They can be harsh on your pipes and hazardous to handle.

Remember, prevention is key. Regularly maintaining your toilet and being mindful of what you flush can go a long way in preventing stubborn blockages in the future.

How Do the Professionals Unblock a Toilet?

When all else fails, it’s time to call in a qualified plumber from Ripple Plumbing. Plumbers are experienced in dealing with blocked toilet drains and have the know-how to get things flowing again.

When they arrive, they’ll assess the situation to identify the cause of the blockage. Using specialised tools like high-powered augers and drain snakes, they can reach deep into the pipes to break up stubborn clogs that ordinary plungers can’t handle.

Professional plumbers are equipped to deal with more complex issues too, such as tree roots infiltrating the sewer lines or problems with the main drainage system.

They’ll work efficiently to resolve the problem while ensuring minimal disruption to your home. Plus, they have the necessary safety gear and knowledge to handle potentially hazardous situations.

So, if your plunger and DIY efforts haven’t done the trick, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. They’ll save you time, stress, and ensure your toilet is back in business in no time.

Preventive Maintenance for a Smooth-Running Toilet

Nobody likes dealing with a blocked toilet bowl, so why not take some preventive measures to keep it running smoothly?

Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding troublesome clogs.

• Establish a cleaning routine: Regularly clean your toilet, both inside and out, using a mild cleaner that won’t harm the plumbing. Keeping it clean not only prevents blockages but also ensures a fresh and hygienic bathroom.

• Encourage proper toilet use: Teach your household members about proper toilet use. Remind them not to flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine products, food or excessive amounts of tissue, as these are common culprits for blockages.

• Use toilet-friendly products. Look for toilet paper that easily dissolves in water, reducing the chances of clogs.

• Invest in a water-saving toilet: This investment not only helps the environment but also lowers the risk of blockages due to inadequate flushing.

By adopting these preventive maintenance practices, you can save yourself from the hassle of a clogged toilet and enjoy a smoothly functioning bathroom.

Emergency Situations: How to Handle Overflowing Toilets

An overflowing toilet bowl can be a real nightmare, but staying calm and taking immediate action can prevent further damage. If you notice the water rising rapidly after flushing, here’s what you can do:

1. Stop the flow: First things first, locate the water shut-off valve behind or near the toilet and turn it off. This will stop the water supply to the toilet and prevent more water from overflowing. Make sure to wear rubber gloves.

2. Don’t flush: Resist the urge to flush again. When dealing with toilet clogs, flushing will only add to the overflow, making the situation worse.

3. Remove excess water: If the water level is high, use a bucket or a cup to scoop out some of the water from the bowl and transfer it to a nearby drain or bucket.

4. Plunge carefully: If you suspect a simple clog, cautiously attempt to use a plunger to clear it. You can also try using a plumbing snake if you are without a plunger. But if you’re unsure or the water doesn’t recede, it’s best to wait for professional help.

5. Call a Ripple plumber: Overflowing toilet drains can indicate a more significant issue in the plumbing system. Contact a plumber to assess the situation and resolve the problem safely.

Remember, safety comes first. If the overflow is extensive or involves sewage, it’s best to leave the clean-up to professionals to avoid any health hazards. Stay cautious and act swiftly to minimise the impact of overflowing toilet drains.

Troubleshooting Other Toilet Issues

Blocked toilet drains aren’t the only inconvenience you might encounter. Here are some common toilet issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Weak flushing: If your toilet isn’t flushing as powerfully as it used to, check the water level in the tank. Adjust the water level using the float or fill valve to improve flushing performance.

• Constant running water: If you hear the toilet tank continuously running even after flushing, it could be due to a faulty flapper or fill valve. Replace these components to stop all the water wastage.

• Leakage around the base: Notice water seeping out around the base of the toilet? This may indicate a worn-out wax ring or loose bolts. Tighten the bolts or replace the wax ring to fix the leakage.

• Gurgling sounds: If your toilet makes gurgling noises or bubbles when you use other plumbing fixtures, it could indicate a venting issue in the drainage system. Contact a plumber to address the problem.

By troubleshooting these common toilet issues, you can often solve minor problems on your own. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the problem persists or seems more complex.