When it comes to looking after your home, the toilet is probably not the first thing on your mind. But did you know that one of the most common causes of blocked toilets isn’t always what people flush, but something they place inside the toilet itself?
At Kingfisher Drainage, we’ve already had two callouts this week for blocked toilets, and the culprit in both cases was the same – plastic toilet freshener dispensers. These little plastic holders may seem harmless, but when they come loose and slip into the back of the toilet, they can cause serious blockages that require professional attention.
The good news? These types of blockages can easily be avoided with a few simple changes.
Why Toilet Freshener Dispensers Cause Problems
Plastic toilet freshener dispensers clip onto the rim of your toilet bowl. Over time, however, they can shift out of place, loosen, or break off completely. Once flushed, the dispenser can become lodged further down the system where it restricts water flow and traps other debris.
The result? A blocked toilet, unpleasant smells, and in some cases, overflowing water – not exactly the situation you want to deal with.
Unlike common blockages caused by wipes or excess tissue, freshener dispensers often require specialist tools to remove, as they’re rigid plastic and can’t easily be broken down or flushed through.
Top Tips to Prevent Toilet Blockages
Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid unnecessary blockages and the expense of a callout:
1. Switch to Alternative Fresheners
Instead of clip-on plastic dispensers, consider using gel discs or in-cistern blocks. These are much safer, as they dissolve gradually and won’t end up stuck in your drainage system.
2. Only Flush the Three Ps
Remember the golden rule of flushing: pee, poo, and paper. Anything else – including wipes, sanitary items, or cleaning products – should go in the bin.
3. Keep an Eye on Toilet Accessories
If you do still use a clip-on dispenser, check it regularly to make sure it hasn’t loosened or slipped into the bowl.
4. Regular Drain Maintenance
Over time, scale, fats, and other deposits can build up in your pipework, making it easier for foreign objects (like fresheners) to get stuck. A professional descale can help keep your drains running freely.
Call the Professionals
If you do find yourself with a blocked toilet, don’t panic – give the Kingfisher Drainage team a call. Our highly skilled engineers have the tools and expertise to quickly identify and remove the blockage. Not only will we clear your toilet, but with the help of CCTV drain surveys, we can also find the root cause and ensure the issue doesn’t come back.
We pride ourselves on:
✅ No call-out fees
✅ Fair, fixed prices agreed upfront
✅ Professional, honest service
✅ 24/7 emergency callouts
Get in Touch
A simple switch from plastic toilet fresheners to safer alternatives could save you the stress, cost, and hassle of a blocked toilet. But if the worst does happen, Kingfisher Drainage are here to help – getting your home back up and running quickly and professionally.
☎️ Call us today on 07738 510343 for expert drainage solutions.
