Drainage
Blocked toilet or blocked drain?
If only the toilet is affected, it's usually a toilet blockage. If other sinks, the bath or shower are slow too, or an outside drain is overflowing, the blockage is likely in the drain.
Check these three things
- Run the bathroom sink for a minute. Does water back up or does the toilet gurgle?
- Is the bath, shower or kitchen sink draining more slowly than usual?
- Lift the cover of the outside inspection chamber (manhole) if it's safe to do so. Is it full of water?
If the answer to all three is no, the problem is probably in the toilet or the pipe just behind it. If any answer is yes, the blockage is further down, in the drain.
Who to call
- Toilet only: a plumber, or try a toilet plunger first.
- Several fixtures or an outside drain: a drainage specialist, who can use drain rods, high-pressure jetting or a CCTV camera to find and clear it.
Is it my responsibility?
Pipes that only serve your property are usually yours to sort out. Where a drain is shared with neighbours or runs beyond your boundary, it's often the water company's responsibility. If neighbours have the same problem, contact your water company too.
Safety: If sewage is coming up inside or outside, keep children and pets away, avoid touching it, and wash your hands thoroughly.