Blocked toilet or perhaps drain?

Question

Can anyone help? My toilet started making bubbling noises the other day and the water gurgled - this wasn't a problem. Yesterday when I washed up it did it again but this time the water started to rise in the pan! It went down eventually but rose everytime I flushed. Then I thought the problem was solved until my partner had a bath today and it happened again. I have tried unblocking my mini drain covers and plunging the toilet but have had no luck. What does this mean is blocked the toilet or the drain? If so what can I do I can't afford to be callling out a plumber, are drain rods worth a go? I'm not really a DIY person so is it straight forward? If not anyone else have any suggestions or advice on what the problem is. Thank you

Answer 1

Sounds like a regurgitating toilet in the works (Harry Potter).
Seriously, the vent pipe may be clogged and sewer gas is coming back through. That can be dangerous because it is methane, and highly explosive. I hope you do not smoke while enthroned on it.
If you have trees and shrubs, there is a good chance that the lines are clogged. I once used a rod at my brother's large caravan, it brought back a huge load of tampons. My poor sis in law who was helping turned red as an over ripe tomato.
If you decide to use an long power rod, or as some call it, a snake, it is best to take up the toilet and go down from there, though you can from cleanouts.
Problem is, if it doesn't follow the main line, it can come up and bust another toilet, or even try to come out a sink drain. My da was a plumber among other building trades, and he told me the horror stories.
Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Blocked Toilet Drain

Answer 3

If the soil pipe from your toilet goes thro the wall,go outside and it will conect to a soil stack which connects to the drains underground.
lightly tap it and if it sounds hollow the blockage is above, try plunging the toilet again.
If there is a dull sound from the soil stack check for leakage around the base.If there is go to the manhole and check if its full.
If its empty the block is between the stack and the manhole and if you feel confident,try to clear it using drain rods that you can get from most DIY stores.
Sometimes there is a rodding access on the soil stack or under the slabs marked with RE, this is where you should rod from.
If your unsure take out another loan and call a plumber!

Answer 4

Hi Twiddle
it could be that the drain or soil-stack (the thick pipe that the toilet and bath are connected to) are blocked if you rent (council or private) then they are responsible to come and unblock it. If you are an owner occupier then you will have to pay a plumber or go to a hire shop and hire a set of rods. You will need to locate the manhole and rod the drain and/or stack out. Good luck.

Answer 5

Sounds as though your vent pipe is clogged. This pipe usually goes up through the roof and allows airflow to your drains. Occasionally, this vent can get clogged with leaves or other debris. At my house, we only had the problem when it rained - I guess it matted down the gunk in the pipe.

This is a fairly easy fix - but unless you're comfortable handling a plumber's snake and standing on the roof - it's best left to the professionals. After clearing - have your plumber put a screen over the top to keep debris from falling in in the future.

Good luck.

Answer 6

It does sound like the drains and a job for a plumber. Sometimes there are shared drains with other properties and then they could share the expense.
You haven't got an insurance on your drains have you? It's a good idea to get some although maybe too late for your present problem.

What struck me was your name. If the toilet's blocked I hope you don't need a twiddle. (Sorry but that's what my bf's mum used to call it)

Answer 7

Have a go at finding your manhole cover,have a look in there and it will probably be blocked,then yes you will need to use rods

If the problem is there to rod it and keep rodding it until it starts pulling the rods back out of your hands.

Answer 8

my plumber husband says to try to plunge the toilet again and if this does not work then drain rods are a good idea

Answer 9

its deffo you drains that are blocked. im a drainage engineer. if you house is pre 1937 ( uk ) then you will not have to pay to get them unblocked.
check if you have a manhole.. look into it it, it should be empty.
if you do have to call out a drainage company, dont go for the big expensive ads in the yellow pages, go for the smaller ads ( one man bands ) and agree a price before they comence work. it can be very expensive if you agree an hourly rate. get a fixed price.
good luck.

Answer 10

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