Winter Comfort Food and Your Toilet: The Unseen Plumbing Problem

Viva Plumbing
Aug 21
2 min read

Let’s be honest, Brisbane winters might not be snowy, but they are the perfect excuse for comfort food. From slow-cooked roasts and rich curries to pies, pastas, and puddings, our kitchens work overtime when the temperature dips.

But there’s one member of the household that might not be enjoying the seasonal indulgence quite as much as you are: your toilet.

Yes, believe it or not, all that comfort food can lead to more frequent, and sometimes more problematic... flushes.

Why Winter Can Mean More Toilet Trouble

During winter:

We’re home more: whether working remotely or avoiding the evening chill.
Meals get richer and heavier: more meats, gravies, and dairy.
Pipes feel the cold too: older plumbing can become sluggish, especially in cooler mornings.

Put simply, winter living means more usage and more strain on your plumbing, and the toilet often cops the worst of it.

The Most Common Causes of Blocked Toilets

Blocked toilets don’t just happen out of nowhere. Here are the usual suspects we see in Brisbane homes:

Too much toilet paper | Happens a lot when people are at home more often.
Non-flushable items | Wipes, paper towels, cotton buds, and sanitary products don’t break down and can cause blockages fast.
Food scraps | It might seem convenient, but flushing leftovers can clog pipes and attract pests.
Hidden pipe issues | Tree roots, cracked pipes, or build-up deep in the sewer line.

DIY Quick Fixes (That Won’t Make Things Worse)

If your toilet starts misbehaving, there are a couple of safe steps you can try before calling a pro:

Plunge properly: Use a flange plunger and create a tight seal for best results.
Hot water flush: Pour a bucket of hot (not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl to help shift minor blockages.
Baking soda + vinegar: Pour 1 cup baking soda followed by 2 cups vinegar into the bowl, let fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Avoid: Harsh chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes, harm the environment, and make professional repairs trickier.

When to Call Viva Plumbing

If your toilet:

Overflows when flushed
Makes gurgling sounds
Drains slowly or not at all
Keeps blocking repeatedly

…it’s time for professional help.

We use expert processed to find the exact cause and high-pressure jetting to clear blockages fast. And because we’re Brisbane-based, we can get to you quickly, often the same day.

How to Prevent Future Winter Woes

Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo, and paper.
Bin food scraps, wipes, and sanitary products.
Schedule a preventative drain inspection before spring entertaining season kicks in.