Toilets usually become blocked due to too much toilet paper or heavy loads attempting to travel down the pan. Whilst it can be a messy job, a blocked toilet is usually easy to fix.
Remember, if you have a blocked toilet, don't keep flushing to try and clear it. This could cause it to overflow and flood the bathroom.
Use a plunger
To draw out the blockage and encourage it to go down the pipes, follow these steps:
- Find a plunger. If your plunger is too short, a mop with a plastic bag tied around the head can be used as a longer plunger that may reach further down the toilet pan.
- Press a plunger down firmly into the toilet and then pull upwards slowly.
- Repeat this at least 10 times until you hear water going down the pipes.
Check your drains
If the plunger doesn't solve the problem you will need to check your drains for blockages.
If your drain inspection cover is outside, lift the one nearest the pan and look around for blockages.
-
Chamber is blocked
If the chamber is blocked you need to clear the obstruction in the pipes or around the drain. Use a specialist rod or wire (or even a long piece of wood) for this job.
-
Chamber isn't blocked
If the drain is unblocked then the blockage must be located somewhere between the chamber and the pan. In most cases the blockage is found at the pan itself.
Check the pan
If the blockage still hasn't been dislodged you'll need to return to the toilet bowl.
- Insert a flexible drain cleaning wire down the WC pan
- Get someone to observe the drain chamber to see if the item causing the blockage passes through
- Remove the item immediately as it could cause another blockage further down the system, which may be more difficult to unblock and require professional drain unblocking services
Chemical help
If you still haven't dislodged the blockage, a chemical drain cleaner or caustic soda may help. Follow the instructions carefully and remember these products need to be handled safely.
If none of these solutions work then you'll need to enlist the help of a professional drainage engineer to fix the problem.
Important information regarding our DIY help and advice
We try to make the advice on our website (www.HomeServe.com) as useful and reliable as possible. However, the purpose of this advice section of the website is to provide homeowners and private landlords with general guidance and useful tips only. It doesn't necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals and might not be relevant or appropriate in all circumstances. It is not designed to provide professional advice or financial advice and should not be relied on as such. Click here to read the disclaimer in full.