Can I Call a Plumber to Fix a Blocked Toilet? What to Expect

A blocked toilet is messy and inconvenient. A plumber can fix it quickly, but what’s the process and cost? Here’s what to expect in Melbourne.

A blocked toilet is never pleasant, but unfortunately, it’s something that’s all too common in the city of Melbourne. Whether the blockage happens at home or work, it’s one of those plumbing issues that no one wants to deal with. It’s messy, inconvenient, and will quickly turn into a major problem the longer it’s left unchecked. 

So, this all leads us to an important question; can I call in a plumber to fix a blocked toilet? The short answer is yes. But what does that process look like, and how much will it cost? Let’s break it all down.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Unfortunately, a clogged toilet is unlikely to resolve itself on its own–particularly if there’s a significant blockage. Although it may seem like something you could leave overnight, this may actually cause more damage and lead to the blockage seeping further into the pipes.

The last thing you want is to wake up and find yourself dealing with the aftermath of an overflowing toilet. This will be unsanitary, unpleasant, and far from fun to deal with first thing in the morning.

Other issues that you may face include extensive staining to the toilet, bacteria growth, and the creation of a health and safety hazard (which is particularly relevant for blocked toilets in commercial and industrial settings). 

Can the Average Melbourne Plumber Deal with Blocked Toilets?

Blocked toilets are something that most Melbourne plumbers deal with on a daily basis. In fact, it’s still one of the most common plumbing problems for homes, businesses, industrial warehouses, shopping centres, and even public toilet facilities. 

Once a licensed plumber arrives on the scene, they’ll normally be able to unclog the toilet and get it back to normal within a quick turnaround–unless there’s a larger issue at play. In this case, they’ll use specific equipment to diagnose the root cause, whether it’s a simple paper blockage or something more serious like tree roots in your sewer line.

If your toilet keeps blocking up repeatedly, it might not be a simple case of bad luck. If and when a deeper issue is the culprit, a plumber’s expertise really comes in handy.

How Much Does This Service Normally Cost?

The cost of clearing a blocked toilet in Melbourne can be hard to pin down as different plumbing companies offer different pricing to each other. It will also depend on the severity of the blockage and the method required to fix it. 

However, we can use recent figures from hipages to offer an estimate for different works:

• > Simple blockage (plunging or auger): $80 – $150
• > High-pressure water jetting: $300 – $500
• > CCTV drain inspection: $250 – $500
• > Severe blockages requiring pipe repairs: $500 – $3,000+

Disclaimer: the figures listed above are only estimates and prices may fluctuate depending on the scope of the work required.

If tree roots are involved or the blockage has damaged your pipes, the costs will naturally rise. That’s why it’s important to get onto the problem early before it escalates into something bigger and more expensive.

Common Techniques for Clearing Blocked Drains

So, you’ve called a plumber and they’ve given you a quote, but how will they actually clear blocked toilets and drains? Here are some of the most common methods:

• > Plunging: If the blockage isn’t too deep, a plumber might start with a heavy-duty plunger to create enough pressure to dislodge whatever’s causing the problem.

• > Drain Snake/Auger: For more stubborn blockages, a toilet auger (also called a drain snake) is often used. This flexible tool is fed into the toilet drain to break up and remove the obstruction.

• > High-Pressure Water Jetting: If the clog is further down the drainpipe, a plumber might use a hydro jet, which blasts high-pressure water through the pipes to clear out blockages and debris.

• > CCTV Drain Inspection: If the blockage keeps coming back, your plumber might use a small camera to inspect your pipes. This helps identify hidden issues like tree roots, collapsed pipes, or foreign objects stuck in the system.

• > Chemical Drain Cleaners: Some plumbers may use drain cleaning solutions for minor clogs, but this is usually a last resort due to potential damage to pipes and environmental concerns.

Don’t let a blocked toilet ruin your day; Give us a call for assistance from an experienced plumber in Dandenong, Epping, or Windsor–the MCN team is available Melbourne wide! Call before 10:30 AM for a same day service.

Common Causes Behind Blocked Toilets

Toilets don’t just block out of nowhere–there’s always an underlying reason. Some of the most common culprits include:

• > Too much toilet paper: Excessive toilet paper can form a thick clog that doesn’t break down easily.

• > Foreign objects: Wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, kids’ toys – you’d be surprised at what plumbers pull out of toilets.

• > Grease and oil: Pouring fats or oils down the toilet (yes, some people do this) can lead to major clogs as they solidify in the pipes.

• > Tree roots: If your drainage pipes have cracks, tree roots can sneak in and grow, causing serious blockages.

• > Old or damaged pipes: Older plumbing systems with cracks, corrosion, or misaligned pipes can create frequent blockages.

Being mindful of these causes is ultimately the best way to prevent blockages and save yourself from all the hassle! 

What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency

A blocked toilet can quickly escalate into a major plumbing emergency, causing water damage, health hazards, and costly repairs. Knowing how to react before a plumber arrives can help prevent the situation from worsening.

• > Turn Off the Water Supply: If your toilet is overflowing or not draining, locate the isolation valve behind the toilet and turn it off to stop the water flow. If the valve is stuck or inaccessible, shutting off the main water supply to your home may be necessary.

• > Avoid Flushing Again: Many people instinctively flush multiple times to clear a blockage, but this often makes things worse. If the toilet isn’t draining properly, flushing again may cause it to overflow, leading to a bigger mess.

• > Try a Plunger: For minor clogs, a plunger can create enough pressure to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work, a toilet auger (drain snake) can help break up stubborn debris further down the drain. However, avoid using sharp or makeshift tools, as these can damage the pipes.

• > Stay Away from Chemical Drain Cleaners: While chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, they can corrode pipes and cause long-term damage to your plumbing system. If a clog doesn’t clear with plunging, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

• > Call a Plumber: If the blockage won’t budge or you notice signs of a more severe issue (such as water backing up in other drains), it’s time to contact us straight away. Our plumbers have the necessary knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix the problem properly.

Replacement and Follow-Up Installation 

If blockages and clogging have occurred more than once, this could be a good time to invest in a brand-new toilet. Newer models are designed to be more water-efficient and effective, which reduces the risk of recurring issues. Upgrading to a more modern option is also a great way to improve the overall look, feel, and functionality of the bathroom.

So, whether you’re looking to replace an older unit or revamp a bathroom, MCN Plumbing will offer expert advice, competitive pricing, and a seamless service from start to finish.

Call in MCN Plumbing: Melbourne’s Local Toilet Repair Experts

If you’re ever dealing with a blocked toilet in Melbourne, make MCN Plumbing your first call. From leaks to blockages and installations, we offer a wide range of toilet repair services. 

• > Emergency toilet repairs – Available for urgent plumbing issues to prevent overflow and damage.
• > Drain inspections & high-pressure jetting – To clear stubborn clogs and check for hidden problems.
• > Repairs & replacements – If your toilet isn’t flushing right or leaking, they can fix or replace faulty parts.
• > Upgrades & installations – Need a new toilet? MCN Plumbing can supply and install modern, water-efficient models.

Don’t wait until your bathroom turns into a disaster zone–if your toilet is acting up, call in the experts before things get worse! Need a plumber in Boronia, Greensborough, or Mordialloc? We’re available across the Greater Melbourne area.

Our plumbers understand the unique plumbing challenges found in Melbourne homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and industrial sites, so we’re well-equipped to handle anything from minor blockages to major repairs.