A blocked toilet can be one of the most unpleasant of household problems to deal with, especially if you have waste backing up out of the unit. Toilets can become blocked for a number of reasons, but the most common culprit is something caught in the soil pipe or further along the sewage system. If you find that your toilet will not clear, the temptation can be to continue to flush it and hope for the best. However, while this solution may work for a minor blockage, it is more likely to cause your toilet to overflow. 

When To Call The Experts

If you do have waste backing up out of the toilet after flushing it, then it is wise to keep everybody away, especially children. You should then get in touch with an emergency plumber to deal with the problem. They will be equipped with the knowledge and tools required to clear the problem as quickly as possible. 

If it is just water that is not flushing away, the likely culprit is a blockage in the u-bend. One quick and very easy fix is to put a plastic bag over the end of a mop and use it to plunge down into the u-bend. This action forces water and air down the pipes and is very successful in the majority of cases. You may need to repeat the process a few times. Again, if this doesn't resolve the problem you may need to contact a professional to attend to your blocked toilet. 

How To Prevent A Blocked Toilet

If you'd rather not have to deal with a blocked toilet, there are a number of ways you can prevent one. Here are just a few tips to keep your toilet free from blockages and flowing freely:

• Only flush items that are designed to be flushed down a toilet. Baby wipes, nappies and some sanitary products can cause major blockages in the toilet and further along the sewage system. 
• Flush your toilet often to keep water moving. 
• A slow or weak flush could mean a blocked toilet is imminent. At this point you can use a toilet plunger or call in the professionals to assess the problem. 

A blocked toilet doesn't have to spoil your day. Once you know a few tricks of the trade and who to call in the event of a problem you can always ensure the smallest room in the house is working as it should.