Dealing with a blocked toilet is never fun – it’s messy, inconvenient, and can quickly turn into a plumbing nightmare if not handled properly. If you’re dealing with a one-time issue or your toilet keeps blocking repeatedly, understanding the root cause can help you prevent future problems.

At ABA Plumbing & Gas, we’ve seen it all when it comes to toilet blockages, so we’re breaking down the most common causes of a blocked toilet pipe and what you can do to fix it!

1. Too Much Toilet Paper (or the Wrong Kind!)

One of the most common culprits behind a toilet paper blocked toilet is simply using too much of it at once. While toilet paper is designed to break down in water, excessive amounts can clump together, leading to a stubborn commode blockage.

Signs of a Toilet Paper Blockage:

•  Water drains slowly after flushing
•  Partial blockage in toilet, causing weak flushes
•  Overflowing bowl after multiple flush attempts

How to Fix It:

•  Try using a plunger to break up the blockage.
•  If that doesn’t work, use a toilet auger (also called a plumber’s snake) to reach deeper into the pipes.
•  Avoid extra-thick or non-dissolvable toilet paper to reduce the risk of a blocked drain toilet.
  

2. Flushing the Wrong Items

A blocked toilet can often be traced back to non-flushable items being sent down the drain. Products like wipes, tissues, sanitary products, cotton buds, paper towels, and even baby wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can easily clog pipes.

What NOT to Flush:

•  Wet wipes (even the “flushable” ones!)
•  Feminine hygiene products
•  Cotton balls and swabs
•  Paper towels or napkins
•  Dental floss

What to Do with a Blocked Toilet from Non-Flushables:

•  Use a plunger to dislodge minor clogs.
•  If the blockage in toilet persists, a toilet auger can help.
•  If the toilet won’t unclog, call a professional plumber – forcing the flush could push the blockage further into the pipes, making it worse.
  

3. Tree Roots in the Sewer Line

If your toilet keeps clogging no matter how many times you unclog it, the problem could be due to tree roots at the sewer line. Basically, the roots of trees love moisture, and even the smallest crack in your pipes invites them in. With time, they grow and block your toilet pipe, which never clears with plunging or the use of drain cleaners.

Signs of Tree Root Blockages:

•  Multiple drains in your home are slow or blocked
•  Gurgling sounds from your toilet or shower drain
•  Strong sewer smells coming from the toilet

How to Fix It:

•  A professional CCTV drain inspection can confirm if tree roots are the cause of your blocked drain toilet.
•  Plumbers use high-pressure water jetting or root-cutting equipment to clear the blockage.
•  In severe cases, pipe relining or replacement may be needed to prevent future toilet blockages.
  

Signs of Plumbing System Issues:

•  Toilet keeps blocking, even after clearing a previous clog
•  Gurgling noises from the toilet or nearby drains
•  Weak flushing power, even when the toilet isn’t clogged
  

What to Do About a Persistent Blockage in Toilet Pipes:

•  A professional drain inspection can diagnose any hidden plumbing problems.
•  If your pipes are outdated, replacing old pipes can prevent future commode blockages.
•  Ensuring proper venting and water pressure can help toilets flush more efficiently.

Don’t Let a Blocked Toilet Ruin Your Day!

A blocked toilet is never convenient, but knowing the common causes can help you prevent future problems. Whether it’s a toilet paper blocked toilet, a hidden blocked toilet pipe, or something more serious like tree roots, ABA Plumbing & Gas is here to help.

Need Help with a Stubborn Blockage? If your toilet keeps blocking, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call our expert blocked toilet plumbers today for fast, reliable unblocking services in Adelaide.

Contact ABA Plumbing & Gas Now!