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Property/DIY

Unblocking the toilet

44 replies

mckenzie · 27/10/2017 09:05

DS uses much too much toilet paper and out downstairs toilet gets Blaga cord. I think it's not helped by the pipe being not angled quite enough.
I usually use the old rubber plunger, my hands, plastic bags and plenty of patience.

Is there a better way?

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mckenzie · 27/10/2017 09:06

Should have proof read that message Blush
Our downstairs toilet gets blocked.

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Humptynumpty02 · 27/10/2017 09:33

Can't he flush twice per poo so that not so much bog roll goes down per flush? Alternatively, the old plunger trick is genealogy the best and easiest method.

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Humptynumpty02 · 27/10/2017 09:33

Genealogy? Don't even know what that means! Should have beek generally.

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SilverViking · 27/10/2017 09:54

Also, what toilet paper do you use?

We have had this problem when we use "luxury quilted" loo roll, as it absorbs much more water and then blocks. No need to go to the extreme of "tracing paper" loo roll... just some of the lighter own-brands have the right balance between "functionality" and non blocking absorbancy.

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PineConesAplenty · 27/10/2017 12:17

My first question is how old is Ds and can he not be helping with unblocking the toilet?

I had to demonstrate toilet roll frugality to Ds2 Grin but he will double flush if he feels bum wiping may go on a while. He puts lots of toilet roll down the toilet to stop bum splash.

We have now stopped this excessive use but I made him stand next to me whilst I sorted the blockage out so he understood, he is 11.

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whiskyowl · 27/10/2017 12:23

Alternative plan - can you get some of the flushable wet loo roll? A sheet of that may mean your DS can use a lot less of the dry stuff, solving the problem. Aldi do one for cheaps.

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PoshPenny · 27/10/2017 12:35

Keep on and on and on about reducing the number of sheets used. I have a 23yo daughter who is still using too much and conveniently is always out when we discover the blocked loo. My technique is a few 3gallon buckets of water first to see if that will push things on, failing that I get the plunger going. I never take anything out by hand. If this is a regular problem due to big poohs, then they need to flush that away before the wiping gets underway. They won’t be very popular with their housemates later on in life if they keep blocking the loo...

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Battleax · 27/10/2017 12:38

A scoop of vanish or a dishwasher tablet plus a kettleful of not quite boiling water. Then leave the enzymes to work for a while.

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Heratnumber7 · 27/10/2017 12:41

Whisky.* Be careful with the word “flushable”.*
Just because it will flush down the toilet doesn’t mean it disintegrates like normal toilet paper does.**
Lots of things are “flushable” but they should never be put down a toilet.**

I’d recommend some research on your flushable toilet paper if you plan on continuing to use it.**

Apologies if you already have, but not is for others to read too.**

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Heratnumber7 · 27/10/2017 12:43

No idea why that’s all in bold. I’m not shouting, honest Blush

And note, not not

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gamerchick · 27/10/2017 12:44

Alternative plan - can you get some of the flushable wet loo roll? A sheet of that may mean your DS can use a lot less of the dry stuff, solving the problem. Aldi do one for cheaps

Don’t flush these.... EVER! Christ so many threads and always people think it’s ok.

2 ply toilet paper and if it gets blocked. Fill a bucket up, flush and dump the water in it fast. If it doesn’t work the first time, wait until it drains and repeat. It may take a couple of goes.

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thenewaveragebear1983 · 27/10/2017 12:45

We've taught ds age 5 to do a quick 'courtesy flush' - both for the sake of our noses, and our pipes!

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whiskyowl · 27/10/2017 12:46

Oh really hernumber? I thought I was doing the right thing switching to those from baby wipes Sad Are they all just as bad?

I am now considering getting one of those Japanese loo seats that squirts water at your bum and plays you a little tune while doing it.

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whiskyowl · 27/10/2017 12:52

"Christ so many threads and always people think it’s ok."

Honestly, I promise, I didn't know!! Sad

I must have missed all these threads.

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gamerchick · 27/10/2017 13:06

I know I'm sorry Flowers it's just frustrating.

Personally I think compulsory sewer tours should be brought in. That would be decent education for all Grin

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Battleax · 27/10/2017 13:35
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womaninatightspot · 27/10/2017 13:39

Washing up liquid about third of a bottle; then a couple of kettles of hot water then wait 30mins and flush. I had the same problem recently and turned to youtube and this really did work.

Apparently the washing up liquid and hot water cause paper to dissolve; much tidier than a plunger.

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gamerchick · 27/10/2017 13:53

Just please don’t used a freshly boiled kettle lest your toilet crack.

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johnd2 · 27/10/2017 16:20

I'd be impressed if you can crack a toilet by adding boiling water! My thin tea cups can handle it and a toilet is much thicker than that and full of cold water to start with.

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gamerchick · 27/10/2017 16:55

And in winter when the toilet and water are really cold? Would you freeze your tea cup then add boiling water?

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SilverSpot · 27/10/2017 17:36

Defo train him for a curtesy flush half way through / at the end before wiping.

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mckenzie · 27/10/2017 17:59

Thank you all SO much.
Cheaper loo roll is going on the shopping list (DH and I can know where the good stuff is keptSmile)
I don't think he will master the midway flush technique but I will suggest it.
DS has been told countless times not to use too much paper but he has Aspergers and dyspraxia and I think he is just not understanding the consequences.
The dishwasher tablet has gone into the bowl now and I'm just waiting for the kettle to cool slightly.
I'll try that one first as don't have much washing up liquid left.
Thank you all again
I really appreciate it.

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mando12345 · 27/10/2017 18:01

Waitrose essential toilet roll is suitably soft but does disintegrate easily, I would recommend to avoid blockages.

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thenewaveragebear1983 · 27/10/2017 18:14

We told ds when he was 4 that he could only use 4 pieces of loo roll at a time. Because you're 4 (obvs). First question on the morning of his fifth birthday- can I use 5 pieces now?!

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mckenzie · 27/10/2017 19:38

That's great bearSmile
I did the dishwasher tablet in the end with two kettles of water but it hasn't worked.
Shall I now try vanish or the washing up liquid?

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