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Clogged toilet: These are the mistakes you should definitely avoid

  • Writer: Martin Schlaffer
    Martin Schlaffer
  • Oct 9
  • 2 min read

A clogged toilet is one of the most unpleasant problems in the household. Often, the cause is not just bad luck—it's typical mistakes that many people make unconsciously. Some of these can even make the clog worse or cause expensive damage. To prevent this from happening in the first place, here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.


✅ If you need help quickly, you can find all the information about our Berlin drain cleaning emergency services on our AAA-Abfluss homepage.


1. Reaching for chemical drain cleaners too soon


Many people think, “Just pour in some chemicals and you're done.” But chemical drain cleaners can:


  • Corrode seals

  • Damage plastic pipes

  • Generate heat, which hardens the blockage


in the worst case, cause chemical burns.


Better: Use mechanical methods such as a plunger, drain snake, or hot water—or call a professional right away.


2. Forcing water through a clogged toilet – more water makes it worse


When the toilet is clogged, many people flush it repeatedly. This often leads to:


  • Flooding

  • Backflow

  • Additional pressure in the pipe system


Tip: Flush carefully only once, then stop and have the cause repaired.


Kleiderbügel verstopft Toilette

3. Want to remove incorrect items


Many resort to panic measures:


  • Clothes hangers

  • Sticks

  • Metal hooks

  • Improvised tools


These can:


  • Damage the ceramic

  • Scratch the pipe

  • Push the blockage deeper into the pipe


Solution: Only use suitable tools—preferably professional spiral tools or call the emergency service.


Essensreste verstopfen Toilette

4. Throwing “forbidden” items into the toilet


One of the main causes of blockages are items that do not belong in the drain:


  • Wet wipes

  • Feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary pads)

  • Cat litter

  • Food scraps

  • Makeup remover wipes

  • Cotton swabs

  • Cigarettes


These do not dissolve and can quickly block a pipe completely.




5. Act too late


Many people notice the first warning signs and ignore them:


  • gurgling noises

  • slow drainage

  • water rising unusually high

  • unpleasant odors


Reacting early prevents expensive emergencies.


When should a professional be called in?


Call a professional if:


  • none of the usual methods help

  • water runs back into the bathroom or kitchen

  • several drains are clogged at the same time

  • you are unsure what the cause is


A reputable pipe cleaner works:


  • transparently

  • without hidden costs

  • with professional equipment

  • gently on pipes and the environment


Conclusion


Many toilet blockages can be avoided if you are aware of typical mistakes and refrain from rushing into solutions. However, if there is a stubborn blockage or you are unsure, calling in a professional is the safest and most cost-effective solution.


Do you need an appointment? Then please make an appointment directly!





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Do you need help? Please feel free to contact us at any time on +49 (0) 1577 499 54 47

or send an e-mail to service@aaaabfluss.de. Your pipe cleaning Berlin AAA-Abfluss will be happy to help you!


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