How to fix a gurgling toilet and kitchen sink?

DIY_newbie1

Our downstairs toilet started gurgling around Christmas Eve, and tree roots have historically been the cause. I've scheduled a plumber to clear it, but the appointment isn't until after 6th January 2025 to avoid the holiday surcharge – $800 for a job that’s usually $200-$300.

In the meantime, I've used several Drain Clean Root Control tablets, which I believe have helped to some extent. However, today the kitchen sink started gurgling when the upstairs shower/toliet was used. Just wondering if there’s anything else I can do to get through the next few days?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @dudexpress. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about gurglin pipework.

Root control tablets are designed to poison tree roots and kill them off. They likely won't provide any immediate relief with blockage. I'm in the same boat and have used them recently to help with future issues. However, for the blockage issue, there is more likely to be debris stuck in the pipes, and you should use products such as Drain Clean 1L Liquid or Drain Clean 500g Crystals. These are designed to break down the material that the roots have clogged.

I'd give them a go to see if it alleviates the issue. Provided your pipes are just gurgling and not blocked entirely, you should be able to hold out a while longer.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell