Any busy household is sure to run into the occasional problem with the toilet, most of which can be handled with a little persistence and a big plunger. However, if you’re running into issues that are recurring or aren’t as easily solved, it could be a sign of trouble deeper in the pipes that, if not solved, could lead to some major issues along the way.
Persistent Blockages
If your toilet clogs, then a plunger might be enough to open things back up. If it becomes a little more persistent, then chemical drain cleaners might be able to help you break down some stubborn buildups. If the obstruction still isn’t clear, however, then recurring blockages can stress your plumbing out, leading to potential failures down the line. Prevent more serious and expensive plumbing problems by either calling a professional or using a plumbing snake to clear it out yourself.
Slow Draining And Gurgling
If you’re not only seeing blockages, but also a toilet that drains slowly after flushing, or one that makes gurgling noises, it could be a deeper issue in the plumbing system, sometimes reaching right down to the sewer line. Your plunger simply can’t reach that far, so getting in touch with a plumber can help you inspect the system, identify the cause, and make sure that both airflow and drainage are working as expected. Tackling the issue early helps maintain efficient plumbing and avoids bigger disruptions.
Water And Bad Odours From Other Pipes
When the water backs up from a blockage, sometimes it can bring a bad smell with it. However, if those sewer smells are consistent or, even worse, coming from other pipes in the bathroom, alongside water backing up other pipes, then there’s probably a more serious blockage in the sewer line. Problems such as tree roots or collapsed pipes can affect more than one system at a time, meaning that immediate intervention is recommended. Trying to fix these problems yourself can typically result in doing more damage, so make sure that you get the experts out as soon as possible.
Frequent Overflows
If your toilet isn’t just backing up, but is overflowing with water, then this can quickly cause water damage to your flooring, walls and nearby fixtures. Aside from hygiene concerns that you might have to clean up after the fact, this can lead to real damage to the materials in your home. Some might be able to be cleaned up just fine, but if water damage reaches structural materials, you might have to remove and replace them. Not to mention the lingering risk of spreading mould as a result of the moisture levels in the air.
If you spot any of the above issues, then you might want to call in a little professional help. When it comes to any issues with your plumbing, the longer you leave it, the worse the damage tends to get, which can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and even sewage backing up into the home.
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