Blocked toilet — how to clear it
⚠️ Do not flush a blocked toilet repeatedly — this will cause the pan to overflow.
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Put on rubber gloves. Do not attempt another flush — if the pan is full, you risk an overflow.
Use a large cup-style plunger (not a flat sink plunger) — push it down firmly over the outlet at the bottom of the bowl to create a seal, then pump up and down vigorously 10–15 times. The aim is to create pressure waves, not suction.
After plunging, pour a bucket of warm (not boiling) water into the pan from about waist height to add water pressure.
If plunging does not clear it, use a drain auger or toilet snake — feed the flexible cable into the pan outlet and rotate it to break up or retrieve the blockage.
If the toilet still will not flush after using a plunger and auger, the blockage may be further down the drain. Check the inspection chamber outside — if it is full, the blockage is in the main drain and needs a drainage company with a jetting machine.
If the blockage is caused by a foreign object (wipes, toys, sanitary products), a drain engineer can retrieve it with CCTV. A local plumber call-out typically costs £80–£150/hour.
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