Blocked toilet help

Slow to clear, rising, or not draining?

This page is for waste water that does not clear normally. If the button or handle moves but there is no flush action, compare the flush-fault information below.

Before another flush

Let the water level guide the next step.

Water rises or is already high

Do not keep flushing. Keep the toilet out of use and note whether water begins to recede.

Water clears, but very slowly

Record how long it takes and whether the problem has happened more than once.

Other fixtures are affected

Mention gurgling, backing-up water or slow drainage elsewhere. That changes the useful enquiry context.

Blocked or flush fault?

A blocked toilet is different from a toilet repair problem.

A blockage is about waste water failing to clear. A repair fault is about the flush, cistern, filling mechanism or water continuing to run. If the toilet will not flush, use the comparison guide to decide which description fits.

What to include

  • Which toilet is affected
  • Whether the water rises or drains slowly
  • Whether another toilet or drain is affected
  • What happened before the problem began
  • Whether the toilet is now kept out of use
Ready to get in touch?

Describe the drainage symptom clearly.

Say what the water level does and whether other fixtures are affected. Do not keep testing a toilet whose water is rising.

A clear message helps a plumbing professional understand the next step.