Plumbing
Why is my toilet blocked?
Most blockages are caused by too much toilet paper or things that shouldn't be flushed, like wet wipes. A proper toilet plunger often clears them; if it doesn't, or other drains are slow too, the problem may be further down the pipe.
Common causes
- Wet wipes, including ones labelled flushable
- Too much toilet paper in one go
- Sanitary products, cotton buds, nappies and kitchen roll
- Toys or objects dropped in by children
- Limescale build-up or a problem further down the drain
What's safe to try
- Stop flushing. Each flush can raise the water further.
- Put on rubber gloves and lay old towels round the base.
- Use a toilet plunger (the kind with a flange underneath), pushing gently at first, then firmly, keeping it sealed over the outlet.
- Once it drains, flush once to check before using it normally.
Safety: Don't mix drain chemicals, and don't use them if you might need to plunge afterwards. They can splash and burn skin and eyes.
When it's more than a toilet blockage
If the sink, bath or shower is also slow, the toilet gurgles when other water drains, or water is rising in an outside drain, the blockage is probably in the drain rather than the toilet itself. That's a job for a drainage specialist.
Stopping it happening again
Only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and paper. Put a small bin in the bathroom for wipes and sanitary products.