8 steps to unblock a toilet

1.Glove up!

First, put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands.

2. Plunge.

Next, use a plunger to try and unblock the toilet. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet pan and plunge up and down vigorously several times. This should help to loosen and remove any obstruction in the toilet drain.

3. Twist.

If the plunger does not work, you can try using a toilet auger to unblock the toilet. Insert the auger into the toilet pan and push it down until you feel it make contact with the obstruction. Then, crank the auger handle to break up and remove the obstruction.

4. Remove the toilet

If the auger does not work, you may need to remove the toilet to access the drain pipe and remove the obstruction manually. To do this, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the pan.

5. Set aside.

Once the water has drained from the toilet, use a wrench or adjustable spanner to loosen the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Carefully lift the toilet and set it aside

6. Inspect the waste pipe.

Use a torch to inspect the drain pipe for any obstructions. If you see an obstruction, use a pair of pliers to carefully remove it from the drain pipe.

7. Test.

Once the obstruction has been removed, reattach the toilet to the floor and turn the water supply back on. Test the toilet to ensure that it is flushing properly and not clogged.

8. Get expert advice.

If the toilet is still clogged, you may need to seek the assistance of a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem. You can speak to a plumber from just £5 using Ask a Pro.