The Times Australia
The Times Real Estate

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Blocked Toilets Ongoing Expense for Sydney Landlords


For landlords, tenants who mistreat the toilet can turn to unnecessary expense and a messy battle with tenants for bond. Landlords and their agents are obliged to call out emergency plumbers in Sydney – a cost nobody appreciates. Dealing with a blocked toilet is one of those household emergencies that can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience to a frustrating and messy ordeal. Whether it's due to an accumulation of waste, a foreign object stuck in the pipes, or a more serious plumbing issue, attempting to tackle a blocked toilet on your own can often lead to more headaches.

Before an emergency, educate tenants about signs of a blocked toilet drain

Suggest to your tenants that if they notice any of these signs, it's important to address the blockage promptly to prevent further damage and inconvenience.

  1. Water backup: When you flush the toilet, water may start to rise rather than drain away quickly.

  2. Gurgling noises: If you hear gurgling noises coming from the toilet or other drains in your home, it could mean that air is trapped in the pipes.

  3. Slow draining: The water in the toilet bowl may drain slowly after flushing, indicating a partial blockage.

  4. Foul odours: A blocked toilet can cause foul smells from the toilet bowl or drains.

  5. Visible blockage: Sometimes, you may notice visible signs of a blockage, such as toilet paper or waste material near the toilet drain.

  6. Overflowing sewage: In severe cases, sewage may start to overflow from the toilet or other drains in your home.

How NOT to unblock a toilet

Before your tenant starts worrying about the costs, and attempting a DIY job, they need to know that poorly handled plumbing problems will incur extra costs – and those costs will come from their bond. If they suspect you have a blocked toilet, there are several things they should avoid doing to prevent exacerbating the issue or causing damage.

  • Continuously flushing: Flushing the toilet repeatedly to clear the blockage can worsen the problem by causing water to overflow.

  • Using chemical drain cleaners: While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners, especially if they claim to dissolve blockages, they can be harmful to your plumbing system and the environment. These chemicals can corrode pipes and may not effectively clear the blockage, especially if it's caused by a solid object.

  • Pouring boiling water into an aged commode: Pouring hot water into the toilet bowl can potentially crack the porcelain, especially if it's already weakened due to age or previous damage.

  • Using sharp objects: Inserting sharp objects like wire hangers or metal rods into the toilet drain can scratch or damage the porcelain and pipes, leading to further complications.

  • Ignoring the problem: Ignoring a blocked toilet won't make it go away. It's essential to address the issue promptly to prevent water damage and restore normal toilet function.

  • Disassembling fixtures: Unless you're experienced with plumbing repairs, disassembling toilet fixtures on your own can lead to additional problems and may void any warranties.

How to unblock a toilet

It's essential to quickly address toilet blockages to prevent further damage and avoid potential health hazards associated with sewage backup.

If the tenant is unsure how to address a blocked toilet, it's best to contact a professional northern Sydney plumber who can safely and effectively clear the blockage. We have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to diagnose and fix the issue without causing further damage.



Property Times

Maximizing Space in Narrow Lot Homes: Smart Design Solutions

Urban housing markets continue to push homeowners toward smaller, narrower lots as land prices climb and city populations grow. These thin slices of real estate present unique design hurdles that require creative thinking and specialized architectu...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their commissions and fees can take a significant portion of your sale proceed...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a ticking time bomb, ready to inflict tens of thousands of dollars in damage, ...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the unique needs of your family or business. Nevertheless, you have to go ...

The Times Features

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

The Power of Community: How Support Services Improve Lives for People with Disabilities

(Source) Community extends beyond geographic boundaries because it creates a sense of belonging, where individuals become both visible and heard through supportive networks. A sui...

Aluminium vs. Steel Ladders: Which One is Best for Your Needs?

(Source) Every homeowner who reaches the attic for cobwebs alongside professional tradespeople finds reliable ladders essential for their work. A comparison between aluminium ladd...

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Best Children's Dentist in Bendigo

(Source) Selecting the correct dentist for child dental care seems complicated because you want someone who delivers excellent medical care while handling children effectively. Be...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping