Blocked toilets are a common plumbing issue usually caused by poor flushing habits (including  flushing too much toilet paper, sanitary products, or other items that should not be flushed). However, if your toilet keeps blocking again and again, there may be other causes outside of your control, such as a blockage elsewhere in your plumbing system or having an older toilet with a poor low-flow flushing system.

In this blog, we’ll go over 5 common causes of a blocked toilet and how to fix it. Having a good understanding of why your toilet keeps blocking means you can help to prevent it in the future, and will give you a good understanding of when you may need to contact a plumber for your blocked toilet. 

5 Reasons Why Your Toilet Could be Blocked

1. Too Much Toilet Paper

Using an excessive amount of toilet paper can overwhelm your toilet’s drainage system, leading to blockages. While toilet paper is designed to dissolve, large clumps can take longer to break down, especially in older plumbing systems. Try reducing the amount of toilet paper you use and see if it makes a difference. 

2. Wipes and Sanitary Items 

Many wipes are sold as “flushable,” however, they still don’t break down like toilet paper, which can cause your toilet to block. Sanitary items like pads and tampons, cotton pads, ear buds, and other non-biodegradable products are also terrible for your drains and can quickly cause clogs in pipes. Always dispose of these items in a bin, not the toilet.

3. Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets are designed to conserve water, but older models often lack the power needed to clear waste effectively. Over time, this can lead to frequent blockages.

4. Plumbing System Blockages

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the toilet itself but a clog further down the plumbing system. Grease, food waste, or debris in the main sewer line can back up into the toilet.

5. Blocked Toilet Vent

Your toilet vent helps regulate air pressure in the plumbing system, allowing everything to flow smoothly. If the vent is blocked—often by debris or nesting animals—it can create suction issues, leading to blockages.

How to Fix a Blocked Toilet

There are several options when it comes to fixing a blocked toilet–including various do it yourself methods, or call in a professional. The right choice for you will depend on the size and severity of the blockage.

Smaller-scale blockages can often be fixed with a simple solution at home, such as a plunger or a store-bought drain unblocker. A plunger is likely to be able to fix blockages caused by lots of toilet paper or sanitary items. 

However, if your toilet keeps blocking, there may be other more complicated issues, such as larger blockages further down the line. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to contact an experienced plumber who knows how to fix it as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Or, if you have an old low-flow toilet that keeps blocking, having a new toilet installed will likely fix this issue. 

Contact Locality Plumbing for Toilet Repairs in Melbourne

If you’re dealing with a blocked toilet or need toilet repairs in Melbourne, contact Locality Plumbing. With years of experience as plumbers in Melbourne, we’re your trusted experts for fast and effective plumbing solutions.

Whether it’s a minor block or something more complicated, we provide professional plumbing and toilet repairs in Melbourne to get your bathroom back in working order. Plus, our 24-hour emergency plumbing services come with a $0 call-out fee. For reliable toilet plumbing services, reach out to Locality Plumbing today!