DIY Blocked Toilet Help
We have put together the following help for dealing with a blocked toilet
If you do not want to face the hassle of a blocked toilet that needs cleaning let Homeserve take care of it for you.
Before we talk about what to do in that awful moment when water rises up and over the edge of the toilet bowl, a useful hint - do not flush the toilet if the water level is higher than usual.
That may seem obvious, but when a toilet hasn't flushed properly it's a normal reaction to keep trying.
While most toilets are designed to hold a vast volume of water, if there's a block - flushing will only cause a flood.
So let everyone in the house know that the water should always return to normal before you flush again. If it doesn't - you've got a block to remove:
In an overflow - stage 1 - turn off the water supply
- Turn off the handle or stop tap under the tank if water starts to overflow
If that doesn't work -
- Lift the tank lid and pull the float ball or cup upwards
- Turn off the main stop tap next- you should find this under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters your home
In an overflow - stage 2 - what's the obstruction?
- Look around or check with others to see if something could have fallen into the toilet and blocked it
- Retrieve the object, if you think that's what the block is, by using a black plastic bag to protect your hand and arm
In an overflow - stage 3 - unblocking the toilet
- Bale out any excess water
- Use a plunger. Position your plunger around the bottom of the bowl, push down and pull up strongly as many times as necessary
If that doesn't work and if you have the required skills and can do so safely -
- Use a toilet auger or plumbing snake. Pull out a section of the auger pipe, tighten the retaining nut, insert the pipe end into the toilet bowl and rotate the drum so it burrows into the system and dislodges the block.
- Pour water from a bucket into the toilet before using the flush, just to be sure the blockage has gone
If this hasn't worked -
In an overflow - stage 4 - get expert help!
- Policy holders should call 0800 783 0951 to make a claim but don't worry - if you're not covered we can get an drainage expert to you.
Note that if the problem is a blocked sewer, these measures may not help. If it's in the public sewer, you should call your water company; if it's in a private sewer it will be your responsibility to find a drainage engineer.
Print out and keep this information handy, or bookmark this page in favourites for when you need some useful guidance or tips.
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The purpose of this section of the website is to provide homeowners with only general guidance and useful tips on 18/08/06. It does not necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not designed to provide professional advice and should not be relied on as such.
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