What Causes a Blocked Toilet Drain and How Can You Fix It
                     What Causes a Blocked Toilet Drain and How
Can You Fix It?
A toilet blockage will  come about very unexpectedly and could become an annoying issue for
homeowners and businesses alike.  Signs of such a blockage include slow flushes,  increased
water levels and odors emanating from the toilet. A blocked toilet drain can be due to excess use
of toilet paper, inappropriate objects in the toilet, limescale buildup or something further along the
pipe line. It is vital to detect such a problem early to avoid complications.
Understanding the causes of toilet blockages will  go a long way towards helping you address
some of these minor issues and also know when you require professional assistance. There are
many different reasons for a toilet to become blocked.
What Causes a Blocked Toilet?
Toilets can become blocked for various reasons. While some are as a result of common practices,
others  could  indicate  a  more  serious  drainage  issue.  Below are  some  of  the  most  common
causes.
1. Flushing Too Much Toilet Paper
One of the simplest ways of creating a clog is using too much toilet paper. The toilet paper should
dissolve in water; but in case of excess usage, there might be a buildup of waste that will clog the
drain pipe.
When dealing  with  a  situation  whereby  the  toilet  did  not  work  effectively,  thus  causing  slow
drainage, one would not want to pour more water into the drain pipe.
2. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
A number of household items must not be put into the toilet. For example, wet wipes, sanitary
items, nappies, paper towels, cotton swabs and many others that are used for personal hygiene
will not disintegrate as well as toilet paper does.
These items may get stuck in the pipe and attract other waste items to clog the pipes completely.
The easiest way to avoid such problems is to keep a proper waste bin in the bathroom and to flush
only toilet paper and human waste.
3. Limescale and Mineral Build-Up
It is possible that limescale will build up in the pipes leading from the toilet because of hard water
in the area. This can lead to the inner diameter of the pipe becoming narrower. The less space
there is within the pipes, the less room there is for the sewage to flow. If the problem developed
gradually,  and the toilet  has been taking a while to flush for a few weeks, it  might be due to
minerals.
4. Objects Accidentally Dropped into the Toilet
Small items can also get stuck inside the toilet through the drain or trap. Toys for children, air
freshener canisters, cleaning supplies, and many other objects found inside bathrooms may be
among such items.
Unlike toilet paper, these objects will not dissolve. Pushing them down even deeper into the pipe
by flushing the toilet will complicate the process of their removal.
5. Problems Further Along the Drainage System
But in some cases, it is not the toilet that is the root of the problem. It may be an obstruction in the
drainage system that prevents the effluent from being evacuated from the premises. This could
lead to a situation where more than one fixture is having difficulty draining at once. For instance, if
you have problems with the toilet, the bath, and the sink.
6. Tree Roots and Damaged Pipes
Drainage pipes can suffer from blockages caused by root  invasion, movement of  the ground,
aging components or damage to the drainage itself. Root invasion can occur through cracks or
joints on the drain pipe causing obstruction in the flow of the waste water.
Damage, collapse or misalignment of the drain pipe can also lead to recurrent blockages. In such
instances, cleaning of the toilet can be a temporary measure since the cause is still present.
"Recurrent  toilet  blockages  might  need  further  investigation  through  a  CCTV  drain  survey,"
according to Genesis Drainage.
Signs You May Have a Toilet Drain Problem
A toilet does not always become completely blocked without warning. There are often signs that
something is beginning to restrict the flow.
Look out for:
● Water rising higher than normal after flushing
● Slow drainage
● Gurgling sounds from the toilet
● Unpleasant or unusual smells
● Wastewater returning into the bowl
● Repeated flushing without proper drainage
● Water backing up into other bathroom fixtures
● Frequent recurring blockages
If  you  notice  these  warning  signs,  dealing  with  the  issue  early  may  prevent  a  more  serious
drainage problem.
How Can You Fix a Blocked Toilet Drain?
The right solution depends on the cause and severity of the obstruction. Some minor blockages
can be addressed at home, while persistent or serious problems require professional equipment.
Try a Toilet Plunger
A decent toilet plunger can be used on certain types of blockages. There should be sufficient
water in the bowl that would wet the rubber end of the plunger.  The plunger should then be
positioned over the toilet outlet and used in controlled movements.
Do not apply too much pressure since it might cause damage to the fitting or water to spill out.
Use a Toilet Auger
The toilet  auger is an instrument that will  go down into the toilet  drain even deeper than the
plunger in order to dislodge the obstruction. Nevertheless, one must be careful not to scratch the
porcelain part of the toilet and push something even further into the drainage system.
Avoid Repeated Flushing
Where there is an increasing amount of water, ensure that you don't flush the toilet since there
won't be any other way for the water to be used, hence creating an overflow situation.
In a situation where there is a chance of an overflow of water from the toilet, make sure that you
cut off the flow of water through the isolation valve.
Do Not Flush Chemicals Without Care
Drain cleaners are not necessarily the best solution to toilet problems. Some cleaners may be too
strong for pipes and might even pose a risk for the plumber who will deal with the clog.
If there is a recurring clog, the better option would be to have an expert evaluate the situation.
When Should You Call a Professional?
When other simpler ways fail, when the toilet is continuously being blocked, or where there are
multiple drains that are affected, professional assistance is advisable.
A professional drainage engineer will determine whether the blockage is inside the toilet, in the
pipe connections, or farther down the drainage network.
Specialist tools may be applied to ensure removal of stubborn blockages without unnecessary
damage to  the pipes.  In cases where there is a structural  issue,  a drain survey using CCTV
technology may be applied to give a clearer picture of what the situation is like inside the drainage
system.
Genesis Drainage provides professional assistance for toilet unblocking using specialized tools
and methods with the objective of both identifying the cause of the problem and getting back to
normal drainage.
How to Prevent Future Toilet Blockages
Prevention is often easier than dealing with an overflowing toilet. A few simple habits can reduce
the risk of future problems:
● Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
● Never flush wipes, nappies or sanitary products.
● Keep bathroom objects away from the toilet.
● Avoid flushing excessive amounts of paper at once.
● Address slow drainage as soon as you notice it.
● Arrange professional inspection if blockages repeatedly return.
● Consider routine drainage maintenance for properties with recurring problems.
If your toilet has blocked several times despite being cleared, do not simply treat each incident as
a separate problem. Repeated blockages may indicate pipe damage, root intrusion, limescale or
another issue within the drainage system.
Conclusion
A blocked toilet drain could result from something as basic as an excess of toilet paper or from a
more serious issue like burst plumbing, root infestation or blockages further down the drain. Where
a plunger or even a toilet auger might clear up minor blockages, any recurring or major issues
should be properly inspected.
It is essential to take action immediately to avoid any overflow of sewage water, bad smells and
costly damages. Genesis Drainage, which offers professional solutions to all toilet drain issues in
Sussex, will help you clear up any issues with your plumbing system.