The issue of a clogged toilet may become frustrating rather quickly. In one minute, the water level rises, and panic comes along, making the bathroom useless. Many try to cope with the problem using a plunger, but not all of clogs are accessible and might be made even harder to deal with.
The problem with self-help solutions is figuring out which situations are safe and when calling plumbers would be more sensible. Rushing into action could potentially cause more damage, like pipe rupture and leakage, or make the clog move further in the drain.
In this guide, we will cover what you can do by yourself and what you should not do in a toilet bowl choke, to save your money. Moreover, we will provide tips on dealing with the problem from the plumber’s side.
What Causes a Toilet Bowl Choke?
Before proceeding to fix a problem, it is helpful to first know where the problem lies.
The major causes of blocked toilets in Singapore are as follows:
- Excess use of toilet paper
- Using wet wipes, cotton pads, or sanitary napkins in the toilet
- Foreign objects such as toys or soap bars
- Calcium deposits in the older pipes
- An obstruction deeper in the sewage system pipe
Some causes can be classified as superficial. However, there are other causes that are more complicated.
DIY Mistakes That Make Toilet Blockages Worse
Quick DIY measures can actually increase the problem in the toilet bowl. Simple errors can lead to pipe damage or cause further embedding of the blockage.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Such drain cleaners weaken the pipes and produce toxic fumes. In addition, they do not manage to remove all blockages.
Excessive Flushing
Too much flushing causes water overflow and creates a lot of mess. The process may distribute germs on the bathroom floor.
Using Any Tool
Metal tools like wire hangers and metal sticks can damage the porcelain and the pipes. Besides, they can push the blockage even further into the pipe.
Neglecting Repeated Blockages
Repeated clogging is a sign of a major plumbing problem that needs to be addressed. Simple repairs cannot fix such problems.
DIY Methods That Often Work
A simple toilet bowl choke can often be cleared with basic tools at home. The key is using gentle methods that do not push the blockage deeper.
Use a Flange Plunger
The flange plunger is better able to generate more pressure than the regular sink plunger. This tool is among the simplest ways of unblocking a toilet.
- Position the plunger on the hole
- Start by pressing down gently
- Press down firmly for 15 to 20 seconds
- Test the effect by flushing
Try Hot Water and Washing-Up Liquid
This will help disintegrate any clogged soft paper in the toilet bowl. This will also help before using a plunger.
- Put washing-up liquid in the bowl
- Then add hot but not boiling water
- Wait for 15 minutes
- After that, flush gently
Use a Toilet Auger
A toilet auger can reach further and tackle tough clogs which plungers cannot get rid of easily. The flexible cable of the toilet auger breaks down such clogs.
- Insert the auger into the drain
- Slowly turn the handle
- Break down or pull out the clog
- Take out the cable
When Local Plumbers Are the Better Choice
There are some cases of toilet bowl chokes that will require tools other than what you have at home. This is when professional plumbers play their part in solving your problem.
- The choke is recurrent: The recurrence of the choke indicates that there might be something wrong with the drain system.
- The water flows slowly in all parts of the house. This can indicate a choked sewer line rather than the toilet.
- The toilet overflows: The overflowing of your toilet can cause bacteria to spread everywhere in your bathroom.
- There are cracks on your pipes: It is safer to employ professionals in dealing with this situation since cracked pipes should not go unnoticed.
- You live in an older home: Older plumbing systems can collapse or corrode over time. Local plumbers can inspect the system safely.
How Local Plumbers Fix Tough Toilet Blockages
There are other instances where toilet bowl choking is very deep and cannot be handled using normal DIY tools.
Motorised Drain Snake
This is a motorised tool that is used to drill into clogs. Such tools penetrate deep clogs that a plunger cannot handle.
CCTV Drain Camera
The camera is used to check the interior plumbing of the drain to find out the exact spot that is causing the obstruction.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
The water jetting works on the principle of using high pressure to remove waste and debris from pipes.
Pipe Repairs
Some pipes may become cracked or damaged, resulting in obstructions. This means that some pipe repairs may be required.
DIY Vs Local Plumbers: Cost Comparison
Many people choose DIY first to save money. That makes sense for simple clogs. Yet repeated failed attempts can raise repair costs later.
| Method | Average Cost | Best For |
| Plunger | Low | Minor paper clogs |
| Toilet auger | Moderate | Small deep blockages |
| Chemical cleaners | Low upfront | Not recommended |
| Local plumbers | Higher upfront | Serious or repeated clogs |
How to Choose the Right Local Plumber in Singapore
Not all plumbers are created equal. Here is what to check for:
- License: They should be registered on the PUB site.
- Reviews: Reviews from Google and HardwareZone can often provide an honest opinion on how well local plumbers perform.
- Quotation: If a plumber is legit, he or she will provide a quote before performing any work.
- Service warranty: Some plumbers may give you a service warranty when providing their service.
Quick Decision Guide
Stuck on the way to go about it? Here’s how:
DIY when:
- Blockage is fresh
- Just your toilet is involved
- The water drains but doesn’t overflow
- Plunger and 15 minutes available
Seek out local plumbers when:
- Several drainage systems have backed up
- The DIY method has been tried twice already
- There is a foul odour or gurgling
- The toilet bowl continually blocks every few weeks
Conclusion
A toilet bowl choke could be as insignificant as an inconvenience or even a significant plumbing concern. Simple cases where the choke is a result of paper deposits can easily be solved using plunger methods or hot water techniques.
Do-it-yourself solutions can help you save money, but that does not necessarily mean that they will provide the quickest or most secure resolution to the problem. Professional local plumbers are equipped with everything necessary for difficult and persistent clogs, as well as any pipe damage.
FAQs
How do you unclog a toilet bowl choke most quickly?
You can use a rubber flange plunger for this task. You should have enough water inside your toilet bowl to immerse the cup of your plunger. Most clogs can be dislodged after about 10 to 15 plunging actions.
Are chemical drain cleaners useful against toilet bowl clogs?
Yes, but not in case of serious clogs. These drain cleaners will work in case of a mild, organic blockage only. Do not use them frequently – otherwise, you may harm your old pipes.
Why does my toilet block repeatedly after being fixed?
This symptom indicates that there is another problem. You either have a partially clogged drainage pipe, damaged piping, or some kind of accumulation of scale and other substances inside it.
Should flushable wipes be flushed down the toilet?
Unfortunately, no. The majority of such products sold in Singapore are unsuitable for the local plumbing systems. They cannot dissolve sufficiently fast. These items tend to cause a considerable number of toilet bowl clogs.
