6 Mistakes People Make When Fixing Blocked Toilets Themselves

A clogged toilet is a panic-level household issue. Sadly, many homeowners rush to fix it, making it worse.

Some people may turn to very convenient, in an underhanded sense, DIY fixes. But done incorrectly, these DIY fixes could cause even worse plumbing issues. In this article, you will explore six errors that a lot of us make while trying to repair blocked toilets by ourselves.

1. Using Excessive Force With a Plunger

When water refuses to budge, it’s all too easy to just slam it down as hard as you can. However, chronically applying too much force damages your toilet seals and porcelain, which could result in costly repairs. 

Qualified plumbers operate just the correct tools and methods to safely remove a blockage. Their expertise allows them to effectively remove the clog without causing ruptures or damaging other fixtures, which are considerations often overlooked by rushed amateur repairs.

2. Pouring Harsh Chemicals Into the Bowl

If you have a clogged toilet, although chemical drain cleaners are fast and quick-acting, they might not be the best solution. This is because the strong acid of the dissolvers eats at the plumbing, leaving pipes weakened and joints frail while also setting free toxic elements.

Ultimately, chemical drain cleaner does more harm than good. There are other safer and more efficient alternatives that experts recommend to deal with clogs without any harmful residues.

3. Ignoring the Underlying Cause

A stoppage can seem like a localised problem, but repeated blockages are usually the sign of a bigger problem. If a sewer is plugged or the pipe is not strategically lined, then addressing the upper echelon of symptoms won’t solve your problem for long.

Experienced plumbers will inspect the entire system and address the real reason. A tree root, garbage, or a system fault is corrected at the source.

4. Using Makeshift Tools Instead of Proper Equipment

Common household items, such as coat hangers or wire, get the job done fast but often scratch and pierce the inner lining of the toilet. After the glaze is broken, other rubbish sticks to the same place, and a block occurs again.

Professional plumbers use specialised tools like drain snakes and augers to remove them; they do so without damaging the porcelain.

5. Flushing Repeatedly Despite the Blockage

However, many individuals mess up by continually flushing, in the belief that doing so will quickly eliminate the water. In reality, this usually causes the water to overflow, resulting in dirty water splashed all over the ground. This situation presents a significant challenge to sanitation standards.  

On the other hand, the professionals would approach the counter flooding. They would initially test the waters and only then go out to assess the damage and possibly eliminate it. 

6. Waiting Too Long to Call a Professional

The longer you put off getting professional help, the closer you come to a massive plumbing disaster. Thus, minor blockages can lead to overflowing wastewater and pipe rupturing. 

Thanks to their prompt response and professional equipment, the expert is likely to eliminate these symptoms. They not only remove the clog; they also make your system work efficiently, which saves time and money in the long run.

Why Expert Help Prevents Bigger Headaches

While it is quite tempting to try and fix a toilet yourself, one seemingly minor slip can create huge underlying issues. 

Good Hands Plumbing Blocked Toilet Sydney services are a way to get your toilet working again quickly, efficiently, and with none of the risks associated with DIY guesswork. The next time your toilet misbehaves, relieve yourself of the aggravation and turn to people who know how to keep your bathroom healthy, operational, and stress-free.